SYDNEY: Pat Cummins, the regular captain was finally included in the Australia squad on Wednesday. This indicates that the all-rounder will be seeing his first action of the Ashes in Adelaide next week.
He missed the eight-wicket wins over England in Brisbane and Perth, due to him laboring with a back problem. While leading into the Adelaide clash on December 14 the hosts have a lead of 2-0.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald said of Cummins on Tuesday “We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be,”.
“We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body’s ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on.”
Hazlewood still unavailable
With Mitchel Starc and Cummins the first-choice bowling attack is Josh Hazlewood. However, has been absent from the squad and now has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. This is mainly due to hamstring injuries and Achilles.
The team said “His rehabilitation timelines have been adjusted and he will now prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year,”.
His spot has been retained by Michael Neser, a pace bowler. Michael was brought into the squad as an injury replacement. He found his way into the team in Brisbane at the expense of spinner Nathan Lyon.
Also read: Pat Cummins Set to Miss Gabba Test
