As the cricket world eagerly awaits the Ashes 2025-26 series, a familiar, unsettling cloud hovers over the Australian camp: the fitness of their charismatic captain and pace spearhead, Pat Cummins. With the first Test in Perth mere weeks away, doubts persist regarding his lower back injury, yet a seasoned voice, Mitchell Starc, offers a rather unconventional perspective on his skipper`s readiness.
The Cummins Conundrum: A Race Against Time
The murmurs began softly but have now grown into a full-blown debate across cricketing circles. Pat Cummins, a titan of fast bowling and a shrewd leader, has been sidelined since Australia`s last Test outing in July, nursing a “hot spot” in his lower back. Six weeks might seem like a decent window for recovery for mere mortals, but for an elite fast bowler needing to build up significant bowling loads, it`s a tight squeeze. Cricket Australia, ever the picture of cautious optimism, remains mum on concrete decisions, leaving fans and pundits to speculate on the potential ramifications for the Ashes opener.
Starc`s Unwavering Faith: “He Doesn`t Need Much”
Amidst the growing anxiety, left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, a long-standing teammate and fellow pace battery member, has thrown his unequivocal support behind Cummins. Starc`s assessment? “He doesn`t need much.” This isn`t a dismissal of the injury`s severity, but rather a testament to Cummins` unique athletic gifts and mental fortitude. Starc explains, “Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over the game, he`s on the money, he just knows when to switch on or how to switch on really quickly.” One might cynically wonder if such a luxury is afforded only to those blessed with extraordinary talent, while the rest of the cricketing fraternity meticulously charts their bowling plans. But perhaps, this is simply the reality of dealing with a generational talent.
Starc himself is ramping up his preparations, having returned to bowling after a post-Caribbean tour break. He, alongside Josh Hazlewood, is slated for a Sheffield Shield match in November, a traditional tune-up for the rigours of Test cricket. Cummins, meanwhile, continues his gym-based rehabilitation, maintaining an “ultra-positive” outlook, according to Starc.
The Captaincy Contingency: Smith`s Logical Step
Should the unthinkable happen and Cummins be ruled out, the question of leadership naturally arises. Starc, with a practical air, points directly to Steven Smith as the “logical choice.” Smith`s extensive experience, having captained Australia in 40 Test matches and deputised for Cummins on six occasions over the last four years, makes for a seamless transition. “He`s obviously a very experienced cricket brain and thinks heavily about the game,” Starc remarked, highlighting the collective wisdom within the squad that could support Smith.
Beyond the Big Four: Australia`s Deep Fast-Bowling Reserves
The potential absence of Cummins also shines a spotlight on Australia`s fast-bowling depth, traditionally a strong suit for the nation. Beyond the formidable quartet of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Boland, the cupboard isn`t bare. Starc name-checked Michael Neser and Sean Abbott as seasoned alternatives, but it`s the mention of Jhye Richardson that particularly perks up ears. Richardson, who famously took five wickets in an Ashes Test in his last appearance, is making promising strides in his recovery from shoulder surgery.
Richardson`s Road to Redemption: Glimmers of Hope
Richardson himself, speaking at a recent Big Bash League event, exuded confidence. He`s now bowling off a full run, a significant milestone in his rehabilitation. While his current speeds linger in the low 120s km/h, he attributes this to the natural progression of recovery, expecting pace to return with increased mobility and confidence in his shoulder – a process he`s unfortunately familiar with from past surgeries. He aims for a return to competitive cricket in November, possibly through club cricket or second XI matches, with a hopeful eye on Sheffield Shield appearances in late November or early December.
“Body`s really good,” Richardson stated, “At this stage of the recovery what we wanted was for everything else to be right, and the only limiting factor to be my shoulder, which is the case at the moment, which is really good.” His cautious optimism reflects the arduous journey of a fast bowler battling persistent injuries, yet his presence adds considerable relief to Australia`s contingency plans.
As the countdown to the Ashes continues, the Australian camp appears to be navigating the uncertainty with a blend of realistic assessment and unwavering internal confidence. Whether Pat Cummins defies conventional wisdom with limited preparation or Steven Smith steps into the leadership void, and whether the depth players like Jhye Richardson seize their opportunity, one thing is clear: Australia is preparing for the Ashes not just with their primary arsenal, but with a robust plan B and C. The stage is set for a truly intriguing summer of cricket.
