Cummins steps up bowling with eyes on 2nd Ashes Test
What's the story
Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has stepped up his bowling during New South Wales (NSW) training. The move comes as he aims to be fit for the second Test of the upcoming Ashes series Down Under. Although already ruled out of the highly-anticipated opener in Perth on November 21, there are indications that Cummins could play in the day-night Test at Gabba later this month.
Recovery update
Cummins's return could worry England
Cummins has been recovering from a back stress injury, which he said could prevent him from playing unchanged from the second Test until the series ends. His possible return to play would undoubtedly worry England, who think they have got the better of Scott Boland after his two underwhelming Tests during the 2023 Ashes.
Training progress
Promising training session for Cummins
Cummins had a promising training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. He was bowling at full pace in the nets, a positive sign as NSW prepares to take on Victoria in the Sheffield Shield starting Monday. Australia will enter the first Test with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Boland—all of whom will play in the Shield before heading to Perth.
Squad defense
Hazlewood defends experience of Australia's squad
Despite the English media dubbing Australia's squad "Dad's Army" because Cameron Green is the only player under 30, Hazlewood defended their experience. He said it is a strength, not a weakness. "We bounce off each other out there and know each other's game so well and help each other out there," he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.
Form update
Hazlewood closing in on 300 Test wickets
Hazlewood, who has taken 295 Test wickets, is nearing another milestone of 300 wickets. He will join other long-serving members of the Australian team—Starc, Cummins, and Nathan Lyon—once he reaches this landmark. However, the accurate quick insists he isn't even thinking about it yet. "I feel in the best shape I've been in a long time," Hazlewood said.