Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, is optimistic about his chances of returning for the second Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on December 4, 2023, in Brisbane. Cummins, 32, has been sidelined due to a back injury that kept him out of the first Test, which Australia won convincingly by eight wickets in Perth.
In an interview with Fox Sports on Saturday, Cummins stated, “It’s feeling good. I had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, so having a big day where I’d bowl around 10 overs then a couple of quieter days and then going again. It’s on track and pulling up pretty well. [I’m] half a chance for the next game. I’m pretty hopeful and it’s probably better than it was a few weeks ago.”
Australia’s Strong Start in the Ashes Series
The Australian team currently leads the five-match series 1-0 and may choose to exercise caution with Cummins, given their dominant performance in the first Test. The next match, a day-night encounter, will take place at the Gabba, where Australia has historically performed well, winning 13 of their 14 day-night Tests. Mitchell Starc, who took a remarkable 10 wickets in Perth, is expected to take the lead role in the bowling attack.
Reports indicate that Josh Hazlewood may not feature in Brisbane due to ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury sustained while playing in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales. Hazlewood’s absence would further challenge the Australian bowling lineup but also highlights the depth of talent available.
Travis Head’s Impact as Openers Shift
Another point of interest is whether Travis Head will continue as an opener for Australia. In the first Test, Head delivered an impressive performance, scoring 123 off just 83 balls after Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms and was unable to open in both innings. Head’s aggressive batting style has drawn comparisons to the English approach known as “Bazball,” and he has quickly made a name for himself in this role.
When asked about Head’s potential continuation at the top of the order, Steve Smith, who led the team in Cummins’ absence, remarked, “Let’s just digest this [win] first. It’s probably too early to say anything on that, but what we just witnessed was quite incredible.” Smith acknowledged the need to reassess their batting order following the team’s performance in the first innings.
Former Australian opener David Warner expressed confidence in Head’s capabilities, suggesting that he could successfully open in future matches. “We’ve seen first-hand what he can do. Is he going to be consistent? I think he can be,” Warner stated, emphasizing the importance of match-winning performances in the selectors’ decision-making process.
As Australia gears up for the second Test, all eyes will be on Cummins’ recovery and the team’s strategy as they seek to extend their lead in the Ashes series. The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim for victory in this storied rivalry.
