Key Highlights
- Australia delays naming their team for the second Test against England, leaving the door open for Pat Cummins’ possible return.
- Captain Pat Cummins missed the first Test due to a back injury and was seen training in Brisbane.
- Australia may choose between including Pat Cummins or replacing Brendan Doggett as pace bowler.
- England captain Ben Stokes expresses optimism about Cummins’ potential inclusion.
The Ashes: Australia’s Decision on Pat Cummins’ Return
Australia have delayed naming their team for the second Test against England, keeping open the possibility of including Captain Pat Cummins. The 32-year-old pace bowler missed the first Test due to a back injury that has kept him out since July. Despite missing the action in Perth and Sydney, Cummins was seen bowling in the nets during training sessions.
Cummins’ Training and Possible Inclusion
According to Steve Smith, who led Australia in the first Test, Cummins is tracking well both physically and mentally. “He looks pretty good to me; he’s bowled in the nets,” said Smith. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s tracking nicely and he knows his body well.” Smith also noted that Cummins has been bowling for a few weeks and pulling up well, indicating strong preparation.
Impact on Australia’s Team Composition
Including Cummins could significantly boost the Australian team. Known as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, his return would be a major addition to an already formidable bowling lineup. With only Mitchell Starc taking more wickets in floodlit Tests than Cummins, his inclusion would likely see him take the place of pace bowler Brendan Doggett or perhaps even skipper Nathan Lyon if Australia decides to go without a frontline spinner.
England’s Perspective
England captain Ben Stokes remains optimistic about the possibility of facing Cummins. “Pat’s awesome,” said Stokes. “He has been for a very, very long time. He’s done great things not only as a player but he’s been great since he’s been given the responsibility of being captain for Australia.” Despite potential changes in the Australian lineup, Stokes emphasized that England will still be focused on winning.
Other Team Changes
Besides Cummins’ uncertain status, there is at least one change expected to the Australia team from the first Test. Opener Usman Khawaja failed to recover from back spasms and may see Josh Inglis take his place in the batting order. Travis Head will remain at the top of the order after making a match-winning century in Perth.
England’s Team Announcement
While Australia delays naming their team, England confirmed theirs on Tuesday. Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks has been included for his first Test in three years, replacing injured pace bowler Mark Wood. England identified the need for a spin option and chose Jacks over first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir because of his batting skills at number eight.
The return of Pat Cummins, one of Australia’s best fast bowlers, would be a significant boost to an already strong Australian team 1-0 up in the series. His possible inclusion could change the dynamics of the match and provide fans with exciting cricket ahead.
