Pat Cummins set for Test return in 2nd Ashes Test as injury concerns loom

Australia captain Pat Cummins is likely to make his Test comeback in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane. The fast bowler has been sidelined since July 2025 due to a hotspot in his lower back and has been carefully managing his recovery in recent months.

It has already been confirmed that Cummins will miss the opening Test in Perth. However, his availability for the remainder of the series remains uncertain, with team management reluctant to rush his return to full workload. Speaking to Channel 7, Cummins said that he was feeling positive about his progress but stressed that a final call on his participation would only be made closer to the second Test.

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“The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body feels great. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at,” Cummins said on November 6.

While his return in Brisbane looks promising, it is understood that Cummins may not feature in all five matches of the series. Australia’s packed schedule — with only an eight-day break between the second and third Tests and just four-day gaps between the remaining fixtures — poses a significant challenge for the captain’s workload management.

Cummins acknowledged the demanding nature of the series, admitting that playing consecutive Tests might not be feasible if he has to shoulder a heavy bowling workload.

“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can. But realistically, if we have a big game and I bowl 40 or 50 overs, and then there’s another match starting just a few days later, it might be a bridge too far,” he said. “I’m trying to get right, and if I do, hopefully I can play most of the series.”

The last time England toured Australia for the Ashes, they were comprehensively beaten 4–0 by Cummins’ men. In the most recent Ashes series in England earlier this year, the two sides drew 2–2, with Australia narrowly retaining the urn after being pushed to the brink by Ben Stokes’ resurgent side.

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