Will Cummins and Hazlewood Return for 2nd Ashes Test? Australia Coach Provides Clarity
Australia grabbed a 1-0 lead in the Australia vs England Ashes after a strong performance in the opening Test in Perth. On Day 2, the game completely shifted in their favour as Travis Head smashed a massive century, putting the hosts in control. Despite their dominant show, the Australia cricket team entered the match without regular captain Pat Cummins, who missed the opener due to a lumbar back stress injury. In his absence, Steve Smith took over the leadership duties during this first match of the Ashes 2025 series.
Now, there’s encouraging news for Australian fans. Head Coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that Cummins could return in time for the second Test in Brisbane, saying the captain’s recovery is “nearing completion.” He also noted that the final decision on the Pat Cummins injury update will likely be taken on the eve of the match, keeping the suspense alive ahead of the crucial clash in the Ashes 2025 line-up.
“It will be a genuine discussion heading into this Test match, and it may be one that eventuates late for us. There's still a little bit to work through, but it’s nearing completion and really positive,” McDonald told reporters, addressing the skipper’s recovery progress and the uncertainty around his return for the second Test Brisbane fixture.
McDonald also revealed that Cummins was originally scheduled to bowl in the nets on Day 4 of the first Test. However, because the match ended early and the Australia cricket team had to travel to Brisbane, the session had to be postponed. “He was meant to bowl on Day Four, so that hasn't eventuated the way we would have liked for Patty. He's just slid that bowling date back with the travel in between … it has gone from a Monday bowl to a Tuesday bowl. Once we see him there again, we’ll be able to join the dots on what that return looks like,” the coach explained, shedding light on the latest Pat Cummins injury update.
McDonald also took a moment to address speculation surrounding another fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood. Despite suffering a hamstring injury during the final round of the Sheffield Shield right before the Australia vs England Ashes, the coach denied rumours that Hazlewood had been ruled out for the entire series. He emphasised that Hazlewood might make a return toward the latter stages of the Ashes 2025.
“I don’t think he’s out for the whole series. He’s working through the first week of his rehab. Once he gets further down the track, we’ll be in a position to communicate updates. He’ll be available at some point in the series,” McDonald confirmed, reinforcing optimism within the Australia cricket team camp.
In Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence, debutant Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland filled in. Doggett enjoyed a memorable maiden Test outing, picking up five wickets in the match an impressive achievement for any newcomer in the Australia vs England Ashes rivalry. Boland, meanwhile, had a tougher time, ending the game as Australia's most expensive bowler.
Now, there’s encouraging news for Australian fans. Head Coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that Cummins could return in time for the second Test in Brisbane, saying the captain’s recovery is “nearing completion.” He also noted that the final decision on the Pat Cummins injury update will likely be taken on the eve of the match, keeping the suspense alive ahead of the crucial clash in the Ashes 2025 line-up.
“It will be a genuine discussion heading into this Test match, and it may be one that eventuates late for us. There's still a little bit to work through, but it’s nearing completion and really positive,” McDonald told reporters, addressing the skipper’s recovery progress and the uncertainty around his return for the second Test Brisbane fixture.
McDonald also revealed that Cummins was originally scheduled to bowl in the nets on Day 4 of the first Test. However, because the match ended early and the Australia cricket team had to travel to Brisbane, the session had to be postponed. “He was meant to bowl on Day Four, so that hasn't eventuated the way we would have liked for Patty. He's just slid that bowling date back with the travel in between … it has gone from a Monday bowl to a Tuesday bowl. Once we see him there again, we’ll be able to join the dots on what that return looks like,” the coach explained, shedding light on the latest Pat Cummins injury update.
McDonald also took a moment to address speculation surrounding another fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood. Despite suffering a hamstring injury during the final round of the Sheffield Shield right before the Australia vs England Ashes, the coach denied rumours that Hazlewood had been ruled out for the entire series. He emphasised that Hazlewood might make a return toward the latter stages of the Ashes 2025.
“I don’t think he’s out for the whole series. He’s working through the first week of his rehab. Once he gets further down the track, we’ll be in a position to communicate updates. He’ll be available at some point in the series,” McDonald confirmed, reinforcing optimism within the Australia cricket team camp.
In Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence, debutant Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland filled in. Doggett enjoyed a memorable maiden Test outing, picking up five wickets in the match an impressive achievement for any newcomer in the Australia vs England Ashes rivalry. Boland, meanwhile, had a tougher time, ending the game as Australia's most expensive bowler.
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