Pat Cummins Racing to Recover for Ashes Opener

Australia’s hopes of starting the Ashes 2025 series with a full-strength side hang in the balance as captain Pat Cummins races to recover from a back stress injury. Head coach Andrew McDonald admitted on Friday that the pacer faces a tight timeline to be ready for the series opener but insisted he has not been ruled out just yet.

“The reality is, we’re starting to get tight in terms of the times,” McDonald said. “We’re still optimistic and hopeful, but this time next week, we’ll have a clearer idea of where he’s at.”

Cummins, 32, has not yet resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation process. McDonald noted that players with back stress injuries often experience “ebb and flow” in their recovery but added that the Australian skipper had been feeling more positive recently.

To have a realistic chance of playing in the first Test, McDonald suggested that Cummins must start bowling at least four weeks before the Perth match. Any further delay could increase the risk of a soft tissue injury and hinder his performance readiness.

“Myself and Patty have spoken about that timeframe,” the coach explained. “If he’s not bowling soon, we start bringing in risk factors like not being skill-ready and potential soft tissue injuries.”

Cummins’ absence would mark a major shift for Australia, given his consistent presence since making his Ashes debut in 2017-18. Under his leadership, Australia have maintained control of the urn since reclaiming it in 2017.

Should Cummins fail to recover in time, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the team, with Scott Boland likely stepping into the bowling lineup.

The Ashes series will feature Tests in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, with the finale scheduled for early January 2026.

Australia’s management now faces a crucial decision: risk Cummins’ long-term fitness for an early return, or prioritize his recovery to ensure his availability for the remainder of the high-stakes series.