Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Cummins admits back-to-back Tests could be a 'bridge too far'
SEN • November 6th, 2025 12:38 pm
Pat Cummins’ Ashes appearances may be few and far between.
Battling a persisting back injury, the Australian skipper was not selected within the opening squad in Perth as he eyes off a return in the second Test in Brisbane.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Cummins revealed that while the second Test in Brisbane is a realistic target, featuring in back-to-back Tests is a feat the bowler won’t commit to just yet.
“I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out,” Cummins told Channel 7.
“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can, but realistically, if we have a big game and I bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.
“I’m trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully, I’ll try to play most of it as I can.
“That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test. It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option.
“I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at.”
Millsy is so amped for The Ashes | Millsy & Guy
Having not played since Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July of this year, Cummins continues to slowly work back into his pace.
“It’s been really good. Yesterday was probably a three-quarter run-up for seven or eight overs, and it’s all feeling good so I’m on track. It’s probably better than expected,” he said.
“(I’m bowling) at about 115 or 120(km/h). I’ll have a bit of a bowl later in the week. Each session is incremental so it’ll be a little bit more intense, and once I go over to Perth it should be pretty close to a full run-up, and I’ll get some overs in.
“It’s absolutely fine. There’s no stress so far. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but all the signs look pretty good so far.
“I’ve had the same injury a few times – albeit quite a while ago – so I know what to expect. With any break from bowling, you’re going to feel a few aches and creaks. I felt that but I know it’s all normal.
“I feel really good and feel like we’ve got a really good plan so hopefully I’ll take part in a fair bit of the summer.”
While Cummins isn’t quite ‘ahead of schedule’, the skipper is tracking nicely according to his recovery plan.
“I wouldn’t say ahead (of schedule) because it’s a meticulous mapped out plan,” he said.
“It’s all on track and the good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great. Like anything, you tick off a session and then make sure you’re right for the next one. I haven’t had any hiccups or had anyone say that we need to rein it in.”
The first Test between Australia and England begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium. Catch every ball of the Ashes on the Sport Nation app via SEN.
