Ashes 2025-26: 'There's been some positive signs' - Australia optimistic of Pat Cummins' recovery before Perth Test

Pat Cummins. (Photo source: Getty Images)

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has provided an update on the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins ahead of the upcoming Ashes. The Australian captain has been battling a back injury that has prevented him from bowling since July and only returned to running earlier this month, just weeks out from the first Test against England in Perth on November 21.

McDonald admitted that time is running out for the right-arm pacer to prove his fitness ahead of the opening Test, but he remains hopeful that the inspirational captain can feature in the series if he manages to return to bowling at training within the next 10 days.

"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,” said McDonald as quoted by ICC.

If Cummins is ruled out of the series opener in Perth, it could pave the way for former skipper Steve Smith to lead the side, while back-up pacer Scott Boland appears the most likely replacement alongside regulars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. However, McDonald has not given up hope that his captain will be fit to lead Australia, revealing that Cummins’ recovery outlook has actually improved in recent weeks.

"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. 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,” said McDonald.

"One of the benefits with Patty is that he has had the ability to prepare for Test matches off shortened preparations. So if it was to be shrunken down, we'd be very confident 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 concluded.