Pat Cummins advised to skip Ashes 2025-26 against England; Replacement named

Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy has urged selectors to rest captain Pat Cummins for the home Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia, which is set to begin on November 21. Healy stated that Australia have limited experienced fast-bowling options, but rushing the Australia captain back could risk his fitness.

Australia have a fast-bowling quartet of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, and their dominance has created an experience gap. With Cummins unavailable, Boland is expected to be picked as the third seamer, while Michael Neser, Fergus O’Neill, and Xavier Bartlett remain in contention.

Do Not Risk Pat Cummins At All - Ian Healy

Ian Healy stated that Pat Cummins is irreplaceable for the team due to his consistency, leadership, and composure. Healy added that Cummins should not be rushed back from injury, but Australia lack other experienced fast-bowling options in case of further injury concerns.

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"He will be a huge miss but do not risk Pat Cummins at all. He's a composed and absolutely consistent performer. He is our go-to when we need it and he gets the job done. He's tolerant, calm and an empowering leader. Scott Boland is going to be into the attack – he will be first in line but if we get an injury who else do we have?" Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.

Pat Cummins is recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury sustained after Australia’s West Indies tour, which also forced him out of the upcoming home white-ball series against India.

Recent scans revealed the injury hasn’t fully healed, dimming his chances of featuring in the Ashes. In his likely absence, Steve Smith, who captained parts of the 2023-24 season, is expected to lead the side.

Michael Neser Is In the Conversation For Any Test - Ian Healy

Ian Healy stated that Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon’s experience can carry the team even without Pat Cummins. He also mentioned that Michael Neser is a strong contender for selection for the upcoming home series.

"Michael Neser is in the conversation for any Test. I would like him to get a game. Then there's the engaged teammate. He shares a beer, has a wine, great mates within the team," Healy continued.

"Starc, wicket-taker, (Nathan) Lyon real container, and Hazlewood never let off. They can get the job done without Cummins."

He's the Number One - Ian Healy

The former cricketer said that Michael Neser is Australia’s top choice to fill in as a fast-bowling replacement, with emerging talents Fergus O’Neill and Xavier Bartlett also in contention.

"Neser - if he's the best candidate we've got in the ranks, let's get him in. He's the number one. Then number two is a fellow called Fergus O'Neill, 38 wickets last year, in the Sheffield Shield. He's an outstanding competitor. Number three, Xavier Bartlett – a young up-and-comer being tried at every level, Australia A, one-dayers, four-dayers and doing very well," Healy elaborated.

Also read: Harshit Rana’s India teammate accuses him of playing on the Gautam Gambhir quota