Every Ashes summer has its fair share of drama, but all the attention is on… Pat Cummins. The Australian captain, probably the two most elite fast bowlers in the world, wants to play all five Tests against England this summer. Sounds a touch over optimistic, doesn’t it? Especially given that we already know he is suffering from some sort of back injury. If history teaches us one thing about Cummins, it’s not to underestimate him and expect him to give in easily.
The Five-Test Dream vs Reality
On paper, it makes sense for Cummins to aim for the full set. After all, the Ashes is the pinnacle of Test cricket, and who doesn’t want their captain and spearhead leading from the front in every game? Ask Cummins his summer plan and the answer is sharp: five is always the benchmark he hunts. Fast bowlers’ bodies don’t always play by the script—especially when a back injury is in the mix.
The schedule does offer him some breathing space. There are eight-day gaps between the first three Tests, which is a luxury compared to the usual tight turnarounds. That could help him stay fresh and avoid burnout. But history tells us that Australia rarely gets through a home summer without at least one bowler breaking down.
Why Match Fitness Isn’t Everything Anymore
One thing working in Cummins’ favor is how he prepares these days. A decade ago, a bowler would insist on a few Shield games before walking into a Test series. Cummins? Not so much anymore. He’s confident that center-wicket training, net sessions, and carefully managed overs are enough to get him match-ready. “More centre-wicket time, more overs, more sweat in the nets—it’s all coming together. I reckon I can hit Test level sooner rather than later.”
It’s a testament to his growth as a cricketer. Cummins is no longer some young kid crying because he had one poor test, but an experienced, seasoned pro who knows himself. However, not getting any match practice is a gamble. An England batting lineup will not give him an easy ride from ball one. There’s a risk of rustiness if he hasn’t bowled under pressure for a fair amount of time.
Rotation, Climate, and Leadership
This is about to get even more interesting. Even with Cummins not playing all five, Australia has the depth to work around him. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland are all established match-winners. Keep in mind, with rotation becoming the norm, who says Cummins needs to play all the games for Australia to secure the Ashes?
What is refreshing, though, is Cummins’s juggling act with cricket and off-the-field commitments. He has been leading the charge for climate change in sport and secured some $50 million of federal funding to help grassroots clubs become sustainable. It doesn’t really make a difference if he plays three, four, or all five Tests; Cummins will be leading the way towards Australia’s Ashes goals.
FAQs
1. Will Pat Cummins play all five Ashes Tests in 2025?
Cummins has set his goal to play all five Tests, but his fitness will ultimately decide closer to the series.
2. Why is Pat Cummins’ fitness such a big talking point before the Ashes?
Because he’s recovering from a back issue, and as Australia’s Test captain and lead bowler, his availability is crucial.
3. What does the Ashes 2025 schedule do for Cummins’ chances to play every Test?
With eight-day gaps between the first three Tests, he has more time to recover and should, theoretically, be able to play more games.
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