Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Pat Cummins Targets Second Ashes Test Return Amidst Injury Recovery
Australia's cricket captain, Pat Cummins, is working hard to get back on the field after hurting his back.
He had to miss the first big game of the Ashes series.
But he's feeling much better now and hopes to play in the second game.
He said his body is feeling good and he's getting closer to being able to bowl at full speed again.
However, he and the team know they need to be careful.
If he plays, they'll have to watch how much he bowls to make sure he doesn't get hurt again.
He wants to play as much as he can, but playing too many games too quickly might be too much.
The team will make a final decision closer to the second game.
Australian captain Pat Cummins is aiming for a return in the second Ashes Test against England.
Cummins has been sidelined with a lower back injury, ruling him out of the series opener in Perth.
He reports his rehabilitation is progressing well and he is close to achieving a full bowling run-up.
Steve Smith will captain the team for the first Test, with Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott named as uncapped seamers.
Cummins indicated that his workload upon return will be carefully managed to avoid further injury.
- Who
- Australian captain Pat Cummins
- What
- Is targeting a return for the second Ashes Test against England, having been sidelined by a lower back injury.
- When
- He hopes to be available for the second Test, with his rehabilitation progressing well and aiming for a full bowling run-up soon.
- Where
- The first Test is in Perth, and he is aiming for the second Test in Brisbane.
- Why
- Recovering from a lower back injury that ruled him out of the first Test.
Pat Cummins's View
Management's Consideration
Return Timeline
Pat Cummins's View
Cummins expresses a strong desire to play as much of the series as possible, aiming for the second Test as a 'live option'.
Management's Consideration
Management is cautiously assessing Cummins's recovery, with the second Test being considered a 'live option' but dependent on his workload and readiness.
Workload Management
Pat Cummins's View
Cummins acknowledges that playing multiple Tests in quick succession might be too demanding post-injury.
Management's Consideration
The management will need to carefully manage Cummins's workload upon his potential return to avoid re-injury.
- Player
- Pat Cummins
- Injury
- Lower back injury
- Targeted Return
- Second Ashes Test
- Interim Captain
- Steve Smith
- Uncapped Seamers Named
- Brendan Doggett, Sean Abbott
- First Test Date
- November 21
Sources
Steve Smith Captain, Marnus Labuschagne Returns: Australia Announce Squad For Ashes 2025/26 First Test
Marnus Labuschagne Returns to Australia's Ashes Squad After Missing West Indies Series
'Who should we drop?' Bailey fires back at Waugh
Meet Jake Weatherald - Australia give 31-year-old maiden Test call up like Michael Hussey in 2005
Aussie skipper Cummins hopeful of return at Gabba in second Ashes Test
Ex-Australia skipper Steve Waugh questions chief selector Bailey's ability to 'take tough calls'
Australia's Pat Cummins Hints at Return for Second Ashes Test
