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Australia coach Andrew McDonald has provided an update on skipper Pat Cummins’ fitness. The Aussie side will host England for the Ashes 2025-26 to be played down under from November 21 onwards. However, there is a huge concern in Australia’s camp as their skipper Cummins is yet to regain his fitness to play in the upcoming series. Cummins has been suffering from a back injury which has precluded him from bowling since July 2025. With the crucial assignment ahead, Australia want captain Cummins to feature in the series against their arch-rivals.
McDonald recently said that he is hopeful of Pat Cummins' return for the first Test in Perth as the star player's condition has improved recently. "There's some positive signs speaking to Patty over the last few days. He's a lot more optimistic. Those who have been through this type of injury (say) these things ebb and flow. A couple of weeks ago, did he think he was a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a little bit sore. Then you flip it forward two weeks and there's a lot more positivity. We've still got a little bit to go," said McDonald in a recent interview to The Age.
Pat Cummins’ extraordinary record in Ashes versus England
Pat Cummins’ Ashes record against England is majestic. The veteran has played 19 Tests against the English cricket team in which he clinched 91 wickets in 36 innings. Cummins was the most successful bowler in Ashes 2020-21, when Australia hammered England by 4-0 while playing at home. The speedster took 21 wickets in eight innings of four matches.
If Cummins doesn’t feature in Australia’s XI in the opening Test in Perth, veteran Steven Smith might be handling the reins of the side. Australia will look to extend their domination against England while playing at home as the Aussies as hosts have never lost any game against their arch-nemesis since 2011.
