There’s a strange kind of panic that only Pat Cummins can induce, the kind where England’s analysts start nervously rewatching clips of his wobble-seam spells at Lord’s, and Australia’s fans refresh training reports like stock traders watching a volatile market. After being ruled out of the Perth opener, Cummins suddenly looks like a real chance for the day-night Test at the Gabba, the very venue where his pink-ball record could pass for a cheat code.
But the real curveball? Cummins admits he’s unlikely to play unchanged from the second Test onward. That alone tells you this Ashes will be a chess match, not a fast-bowling bunfight. And while England spent the build-up celebrating Scott Boland’s modest returns in the 2023 Ashes, the sight of Cummins steaming in at full pace during NSW training is a reminder that Australia’s attack, even patched together, is seldom vulnerable for long.
Why Experience Still Hits Harder Than Youthful Hype
Josh Hazlewood wasn’t exaggerating when he said the attack bounces off each other. This quartet has bowled thousands of overs in tandem, crafting patterns that feel less like plans and more like telepathy. When rhythm deserts one, another steps in to reset the pressure. It’s erosion-by-disciplin, a blueprint England historically hates facing.
Hazlewood, sitting on 295 wickets, is so close to 300 that commentators have practically prewritten their graphics packages. And yet he swears he isn’t thinking about it. His 16 wickets from four Tests this year reinforce the feeling: when he’s fit, his numbers shape entire series.
Cummins’ Pink-Ball Temptation at the Gabba
Recovery from back stress is tricky, but the selectors will be itching to unleash Cummins under the lights. His record with the pink ball, relentless lengths, skiddy nip, and late jag forces batting lineups to think in survival mode rather than scoring mode. England’s Bazball thrives on tempo; Cummins is tempo’s worst enemy.
If his SCG net session is full pace, long spells, and no discomfort is any indicator, Australia suddenly doesn’t look short of firepower even in his limited availability.
A Bowler England Shouldn’t Underestimate Twice
England’s belief that they worked out Scott Boland in 2023 feels dangerously premature. Boland isn’t a mystery spinner; he’s a metronome. If conditions give him even an ounce of seam movement, he becomes a problem England can’t slog their way out of. With Starc and Hazlewood already locked into the Perth XI, Boland’s Shield outing before the Test isn’t a warm-up; it’s a referendum on his place once Cummins returns.
Australia’s Age Jibe and England’s Selective Amnesia
The English media’s Dad’s Army jibe ignored four small details: 300 wickets (Lyon), 300 wickets (Starc), 300 wickets (Cummins), and soon-to-be 300 wickets (Hazlewood). That’s not a nursing home; that’s a Hall-of-Fame waiting room. Australia’s core is old because it’s good, not good despite being old.
Hazlewood’s point about knowing each other’s rhythms is more than dressing-room PR; their bowling spells resemble a relay race where every runner overlaps seamlessly. England can mock the age, but they’ll still have to negotiate 135 overs of elite skill under pressure.
And with Hazlewood in peak form, Starc rejuvenated, and Lyon steady as sunrise, Australia’s so-called Dad’s Army might yet remind England why experience in the Ashes is a weapon worth its wrinkles. The series won’t hinge on age; it’ll hinge on who controls the moments when the ball is doing just enough.
Key Takeaway
Australia’s attack may be ageing, but Cummins’ return could make England’s plans feel very, very young.
FAQs
- Why is Cummins missing the first Ashes Test?
He’s recovering from back stress and hasn’t reached full-match readiness yet.
- Will Hazlewood reach 300 wickets this series?
Almost certainly, he needs just five more and is bowling in top rhythm.
- Why does experience matter in this Ashes?
Australia’s bowlers have years of synergy, allowing them to apply pressure in coordinated waves.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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