As the countdown to the Ashes 2025-26 intensifies, the Australian cricket camp finds itself in familiar territory: a high-stakes series on the horizon, coupled with pressing questions about its formidable pace battery. At the heart of this narrative lies captain Pat Cummins, whose fitness for the opening Test in Perth on November 21 remains a significant talking point. However, if teammate Mitchell Starc`s unwavering confidence is anything to go by, Cummins might just redefine the notion of “limited preparation.”
Starc`s Unshakable Faith: A Testament to Cummins` Unique Talent
Mitchell Starc, a veteran spearhead of the Australian attack, offers a perspective that borders on the mythical when discussing his captain`s readiness. Despite Cummins not having bowled since Australia`s Test match against West Indies in July due to a lower back “hot spot,” Starc dismisses conventional wisdom about extensive lead-up time. “He doesn`t need much,” Starc asserted, adding, “Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over of the game, he`s on the money, he just knows when to switch on or how to switch on really quickly.”
This statement, delivered with the characteristic straightness of a fast bowler, speaks volumes about Cummins` unique ability to transition from rest to peak performance. While many athletes meticulously calibrate their preparation, Starc suggests Cummins possesses an almost innate capacity to hit his stride. It`s a luxury few bowlers can afford, and it’s a trait that will be rigorously tested if his return to bowling is indeed delayed.
The Cummins Conundrum: A Race Against the Clock?
The Australian team management, and indeed fans worldwide, are closely monitoring Cummins` rehabilitation. Six weeks before the Ashes opener, the lack of bowling activity is, understandably, a source of mild anxiety. The traditional build-up for a fast bowler heading into a Test series involves a gradual increase in bowling loads, simulating match intensity. For Cummins, this timeline is undeniably tight.
Cricket Australia has yet to make a definitive statement on his return to bowling or his availability for the first Test. While the official line remains cautious, the underlying tension is palpable. If Starc`s assessment holds true, then Cummins` exceptional talent might indeed overcome the physiological challenges of an accelerated return. If not, the team`s depth, and indeed its leadership structure, will face immediate scrutiny.
Captaincy Contingency: The Smith Factor
Should Pat Cummins be deemed unfit for the Perth Test, the question of interim captaincy naturally arises. The answer, according to Starc, is clear and logical: Steven Smith. “It`s an easy transition for Steve,” Starc noted, highlighting Smith`s extensive experience of captaining Australia in 40 Test matches and his role as deputy for Cummins in six Tests over the last four years. Smith`s “very experienced cricket brain” and the collective wisdom of seasoned players within the squad are seen as sufficient safeguards to navigate any potential leadership void.
The prospect of Smith, a former captain, seamlessly stepping back into the role offers a layer of stability amidst the uncertainty surrounding Cummins. It`s a contingency plan rooted in tested experience, minimizing potential disruptions to team dynamics.
Beyond the Big Four: Australia`s Fast-Bowling Depth
Cummins` potential absence also shines a spotlight on Australia`s fast-bowling reserves beyond the established quartet of Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. Starc quickly pointed to experienced options like Michael Neser and Sean Abbott, both proven performers in domestic cricket. However, a name that garners particular interest is Jhye Richardson.
Richardson, who last played a Test in December 2021 and famously took five wickets in an Ashes game, is steadily progressing from shoulder surgery earlier this year. Speaking from Melbourne, Richardson exuded confidence in his body and his recovery. “Body`s really good,” he stated, adding that he`s “bowling off a full run, just waiting for a bit of ball speed to come back.” This measured optimism suggests a potential wildcard for the Ashes, though his current ball speeds in the low 120s indicate a need for further rehabilitation and match practice.
Richardson aims for a return to competitive cricket in November, possibly through club or second XI matches, with hopes of playing in Sheffield Shield rounds five or six. His journey back to full pace and match fitness will be a critical narrative thread as the Ashes draw nearer.
Preparation Underway: The Road to Perth
Meanwhile, Starc himself, along with Hazlewood, has commenced his own Ashes preparations. Having not played since the Caribbean Test tour, Starc has returned to bowling ahead of the ODI series against India. Both pacemen are also slated to feature in New South Wales` Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the SCG from November 10-13. This crucial domestic fixture will serve as an essential tune-up for the first Ashes Test in Perth.
The Australian team, it seems, is a finely tuned machine, capable of adapting to various challenges. While the question marks over Pat Cummins` fitness add an intriguing layer to the Ashes build-up, the collective confidence, the experienced leadership alternatives, and the depth in fast bowling suggest a squad well-equipped to face the English challenge, whether their captain takes a leisurely stroll into the first Test or not.
