Pat Cummins set to play Perth Test? Big fitness update issued days before Ashes 2025-26 opener

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey shared an update on skipper Pat Cummins’ recovery ahead of the Ashes 2025-26 opener against England. The left-handed batter said that the captain, who was ruled out of the Ashes opener, looked in rhythm during a full-intensity, hour-long net session at Optus Stadium.

Cummins had to miss the Ashes 2025-26 opener in Perth. He sustained a back stress injury during Australia’s 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies in July. The fast bowler has resumed his build-up for the rest of the Ashes campaign and is aiming to be ready in time for the second Test against England in Brisbane.

Pat Cummins Looked Ready to Go - Alex Carey

Alex Carey said that Pat Cummins looked in excellent rhythm during a recent net session, adding that the pacer bowled at full pace with ease. However, Carey stated that Cummins still needs to rebuild overall match fitness before returning.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“I've got to keep a lid on it a little bit. I saw him bowling in the nets yesterday… he looked ready to go!" Carey told SEN's The Run Home.

“I guess it's the build up now. It's probably not so much bowling the ball at 140(km/h), because it looked like he did that pretty effortlessly yesterday. It's probably the work around the game fitness, so to speak," he added.

We All Know Pat Cummins Is a Professional - Alex Carey

Alex Carey expressed optimism about Pat Cummins’ recovery. Carey stated that the team is hopeful he continues to improve and returns to action soon. He added that even if he misses the next match, Australia have enough depth to manage.

“Fingers crossed he keeps pulling up well and gets himself ready. We all know he is a professional, so fingers crossed we see him back sooner rather than later. There's great depth in this group, so if it's not next game, hopefully it's soon,” Carey further stated.

Australia will begin their Ashes campaign on Friday, November 21, in Perth. The second Test will take place in Brisbane, starting on December 4. Cummins will have more than two weeks to regain his fitness and rejoin the team for the second match.

Steve Smith to Lead Australia in Perth Test in Pat Cummins’ Absence

Steve Smith will lead the side in the Perth Test, with Scott Boland expected to be included in the XI. Cummins debuted in 2011 and has since taken 91 wickets against England. He has been battling recurring back problems, including a major setback in 2018.

England arrived with a strong pace battery featuring Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad stirred the rivalry by calling this Australia’s weakest side in 15 years.

England have struggled in Australia for two decades, winning only one Ashes Test there since 2010–11. Australia dominated the most recent home series 4-0, with Cummins spearheading that attack. They held on to the urn after a 2-2 draw in England in 2023.

Also read: Age-fraud? Vaibhav Suryavanshi questioned by Oman players over being a 14-year-old