New Delhi Oct 10 (UNI) Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed optimism that skipper Pat Cummins could still recover in time to feature in the opening Ashes Test against England, starting November 21 in Perth, despite his back injury.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Cummins has been battling a back injury that has prevented him from bowling since July and the Australia skipper only returned to running earlier this month just weeks out from the first Test against England in Perth from November 21.
McDonald admitted that less time is there for Cummins to prove his fitness ahead of the first Test, but the Australia coach is still hoping for the inspirational captain to return to the bowling crease at training within the next 10 days.
Quoting the coach, ICC said, “Myself and Patty have spoken about that type of timeframe. Or else you start to bring in other risk factors. A: You’re not skill ready or B: Soft tissue injuries then become a real risk.”
“And if you were to do a soft tissue injury early in a series like the Ashes, then it’s a long way back from where he’s been. So we’ll be mindful of all those risk factors,” he added.
If Cummins is ruled out of the series opener, former captain Steve Smith could be handed the reins, while back-up quick Scott Boland would seem the most logical replacement for the fast bowler alongside regulars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
However, McDonald revealed that Cummins’ prognosis has shown an actual improvement over the past few days.
“There’s been some positive signs speaking to Patty over the last few days. He’s a lot more optimistic. Those who have been through this type of injury (say) these things ebb and flow,” McDonald noted.
“A couple of weeks ago, did he think he had a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a little bit sore. Then you flip it forward two weeks and there’s a lot more positivity. We’ve still got a little bit to go.”
The coach added that Cummins’ ability to perform well despite shortened preparations gives the team confidence that he would still be able to perform in the first Test.
“But the reality is, we’re starting to get tight in terms of the times. We’re still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we’ll be in a position to get a better gauge on where he’s at,” he added.
