England batter Harry Brook believes that Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury news could give England an advantage if the Australian skipper misses the first Test. Australian media have reported that Cummins may sit out the opening match due to a back issue, and there is a possibility he could miss the entire series.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said he is “optimistic” Cummins will be ready for the first Test in Perth on 21 November. However, he admitted that time is “tight” for the 32-year-old to prepare fully. Cummins has not played since July because of a stress injury in his lumbar spine. Even if he recovers, he will need a gradual build-up to return to full pace, a process McDonald says could take at least four weeks. This ongoing Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury is being closely monitored by Australia.
Speaking at the Professional Cricketers’ Association awards, Brook commented on the situation: “With him out of their side for the first game, hopefully that plays into our hands. He is an amazing bowler, skilled and fast, and has been for many years. But Australia have a lot of good bowlers, so we cannot take anyone lightly, especially with the uncertainty of Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury.”
If Cummins is unavailable, Scott Boland could replace him in the pace attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland made headlines with six wickets for just seven runs on his Test debut against England in Melbourne in 2021. However, with Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins all in their 30s and five Tests scheduled in seven weeks, Australia may need backup options such as Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, or Sean Abbott. Brook added: “They have lots of amazing bowlers, and I’m sure they’ll draft someone very skilful if needed, especially if Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury prevents him from bowling at full intensity.”
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England’s Captaincy and Fitness Updates Amid Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury
While Australia face fitness concerns with Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury, England also have a potential worry in Ben Stokes. The all-rounder missed the final Test against India in July due to a shoulder injury. Stokes, 34, is expected to be fit for the Ashes, but injuries have affected him in the last four series, limiting his role.
Harry Brook, England’s white-ball captain, has been promoted to Test vice-captain for the Ashes tour. He would lead the team if Stokes misses any matches. However, Brook said he is not eager to captain England and expects Stokes to play all five Tests. “I think he’ll power through even with a small niggle. I have full faith he’ll be there. Being captain is an honor, but I would much rather Stokesy played every Test. He’s vital, batting at number six and bowling key overs,” Brook explained.
Brook’s promotion ended Ollie Pope’s stint as Stokes’ deputy, a role Pope held since 2022. England director of cricket Rob Key stated the decision was made because Brook is considered a “better leader.” Brook admitted he had a feeling the change would happen and had already spoken to Pope. “I dropped him a couple of messages a few weeks ago, mostly about golf. He’s not bothered and is happy to still be in the squad. He’s a vital part of the team, batting at number three, and we all know how important his runs are,” Brook said.
The Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury remains a key talking point, with England hoping it could tilt the series in their favor. Both teams will need to manage injuries carefully as the five-Test series will be physically demanding, with short gaps between matches. The absence or partial return of Cummins due to Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury will be crucial for Australia’s pace attack.
Even if Cummins returns later in the series, the impact of Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury on his preparation could affect his performance. England will aim to exploit any weakness in the Australian attack, while Australia must plan for contingencies around Pat Cummins Ashes 2025 Injury.
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source: ESPN
