Pat Cummins Ready For Gabba Clash, Fitness Management Under Consideration

Pat Cummins is feeling confident to feature in the 2nd test of the Ashes series. He is working hard to regain match fitness, as the recent tests of the pacer have also given positive reports. Analyzing those carefully, he has started bowling in nets to gain some rhythm. Currently, he is bowling close to eight overs in the nets, and plans to come with full force before the start of the first test.

Since returning to the nets, Pat Cummins has not felt any pain in his lower back. The reports are also clear, showing no signs of a recurrence of the stress fracture. This is encouraging for the Australian team that is currently planning to face England in Perth in the absence of Cummins.

The team management is monitoring the recovery of Cummins closely, as they have not made any final decision as of yet. The Australian skipper is confident that he will clear all the checks before the second test, which is slated to start from December 4 at the Gabba.

"That's the aim and we're building our plan to the second Test. It's probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you're at. "The good thing is that I'm pulling up well and the body is great,” said Pat Cummins while speaking to the media.

He also said that the upcoming net sessions will bring more clarity on his fitness. He is aiming for the second test as a viable option for his comeback, though the final decision will be made after completing the bowling sessions in Perth.

"We're trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I'll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I'll know where I'm at," said Pat Cummins.

Even after making a comeback, Cummins can face some serious hurdles during the rest of the Australian summer. The tough schedule of back-to-back matches, with little gap in between, is something the Australian selectors are concerned about. They know the importance of managing the workload of bowlers carefully during the summers. Keeping that in view, it would be interesting to see how Cummins’ fitness will be managed by the team during the rest of the Ashes.  

"I'm pretty keen to play as much as I can. But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there's a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far. I'm trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully I'll try to play most of it as I can," said Pat Cummins.

The Australian captain is confident of featuring in the Ashes without playing any warm-up games in the Sheffield Shield. He will fly directly to Perth with the team and spend time with the coaches to prepare accordingly for the Gabba Test.

"Before the 2023 ODI World Cup, I flew over to South Africa and watched the last couple of ODIs there. It was actually a really different view from the coach's box. It's a different perspective. So hopefully I gather some information from being in that position through the Test that later on in the series I can use. Or maybe Steve Smith needs something, and I have seen something differently from up there,” said Pat Cummins.

He further said that having close conversation with the team is better instead of sitting out of the camp. Keeping that in view, he will travel with the side to Perth to analyze the game closely and prepare himself for the Gabba challenge.

"But being close to the game and the conversations, I think I will need that going into the second or third Test," said Pat Cummins.

The 1st Ashes test will start in Perth on November 21. Australia will enter the contest without having the services of Cummins, as Steve Smith has been announced as the Aussie captain for the series opener. England is looking forward to exploiting this gap, as they are confident of taking down the Australian attack with their extra-aggressive batting approach.