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Cummins Returns Bowling Ahead of IPL and Test Championship Final
Recovery from Ankle Injury Progressing Well
Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, has provided a positive update on his recovery from the ankle injury that sidelined him from the Champions Trophy. The fast bowler confirmed that his rehabilitation is on track, and he has started bowling again as he prepares for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the coming months, followed by the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June.
Cummins sustained the ankle injury during the Test series against India and was subsequently ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday, he expressed optimism about his return, stating that he was set for his first bowling session of rehab.
“The ankle is all going strong, [have been] able to give it a good rest and then been building up slowly, which you don’t get to do when you play lots of cricket,” Cummins said. “It’s feeling as strong as it has for a fair while. Should be fine [for the IPL], that’s the plan. So have a few weeks of bowling, building back up and then hopefully don’t have to worry about it for a while.”
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Injury Management and Recovery Approach
Cummins explained that his ankle issue had been a long-term concern, one that he had managed over the years without opting for surgical intervention. The problem worsened during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Melbourne, prompting him and the medical staff to take a conservative but structured approach to recovery.
“It’s something that we’ve opted never to have surgery on or intervene too much, just a lot to rehab,” he explained. “Having this break meant that I could get a couple of cortisones and really rehab it well the last couple of weeks.”
The decision to avoid surgery and focus on rehab reflects the modern approach to injury management, prioritizing long-term performance rather than short-term fixes. With the Champions Trophy ruled out, Cummins has been able to take time off and rebuild his strength without the pressure of immediate match commitments.
Preparing for IPL and Workload Management
With his return to bowling, Cummins is now focused on building up his workload gradually. His participation in the IPL will serve as a stepping stone for a busy international schedule, including the WTC final against South Africa and the subsequent three-Test series against West Indies.
Given his importance to the Australian squad across formats, the team management is considering strategic workload management. Cummins himself acknowledged that occasional breaks from international cricket could extend his career and keep him in peak condition for high-priority matches.
“Sometimes by missing the odd tour, you actually end up playing more cricket for the whole year,” he said. “I think in the past you used to play everything, whereas now, absolutely, you try and make sure the players are at their peak for as long as you can for the year and to play as much of the important stuff each year. It’s just the way of the world. Everyone’s used to it.”
Australia’s Pace Attack Facing Challenges
Cummins’ absence has been felt in the Australian bowling lineup, especially in the ongoing Champions Trophy. With Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc also unavailable, the pace attack has been significantly weakened. This has given an opportunity to some of the younger bowlers, such as Ben Dwarshuis, who impressed with three wickets against England, and Nathan Ellis, who delivered an outstanding spell despite difficult conditions.
Ellis, who recently led the Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL title, showcased his versatility by conceding just 51 runs in a high-scoring game where 707 runs were made. Cummins acknowledged his talent and ability to bowl at any stage of an innings.
“[Nathan] has always been so valuable in that he can bowl at any stage,” Cummins said. “He doesn’t necessarily need to take the new ball to have big impact. He can bowl through the middle and at the end.”
While Australia’s young pacers have stepped up in Cummins’ absence, his return will be crucial for the team’s success in upcoming tournaments, particularly the WTC final and the Ashes series against England.
Josh Inglis’ Emergence as a Key Player
One of the most notable performances in the Champions Trophy so far has been that of Josh Inglis, who delivered a stunning century (120 off 86 balls) in a huge chase. This follows his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic batter who can adapt across formats.
Cummins praised Inglis for his consistency and ability to contribute in multiple roles, highlighting the batter’s ability to take on spin bowling, which has been a key focus for Australian selectors.
“He’s been on almost every Australian tour for about the last four years running drinks. So we’ve always known his quality and scoring two hundreds in different formats in the last month is amazing,” Cummins said. “He’s so dynamic. You can bat him anywhere in the order. He can take down spin. He can also finish off an innings with all his different shots. Just someone who’s coming into a real sweet spot in his career.”
Selection Dilemma for the WTC Final
With the WTC final on the horizon, Australian selectors face a tough decision regarding their batting lineup. Sam Konstas is in contention to return as an opener, while Cameron Green is expected to be available as a specialist batter. This raises questions about whether Inglis will retain his place in the team.
Although Cummins is not part of the selection panel, he believes there is room for both Inglis and Carey in the squad. Australia has previously fielded two wicketkeeper-batters, such as during the Sri Lanka series, which provides a precedent for their potential inclusion.
“I think you’re open to anything at the moment,” he said. “[Inglis and Carey] are two of the most in-form guys. They’re straight into that ODI side together and it’s no issue. We’ve picked two all-rounders before. Picked two keepers in Sri Lanka. I don’t see any reason why they can’t coexist if they’re both scoring runs.”
Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup and Beyond
Beyond the WTC final, Australia has a packed international schedule, including the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. The team will also begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
As the defending champions of the ODI World Cup, Australia will be keen to retain their title in 2027. Cummins remains committed to leading the team through the upcoming cycle of white-ball tournaments, despite the demands of his Test captaincy.
“It comes around pretty quick, we’re already almost halfway,” he said. “That’s definitely what we’ve been speaking to. Obviously, when it’s a long way away, Test cricket and other [tournaments] take priorities. But once it gets a bit closer, that becomes a bit more of a focus.”
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Conclusion
Cummins’ return to bowling is a positive development for Australian cricket, as he remains a crucial player across formats. With his ankle recovering well, he is set to feature in the IPL and gradually increase his workload before the WTC final and the West Indies Test series.
His absence in the Champions Trophy has provided opportunities for younger fast bowlers, while Josh Inglis’ emergence adds another dimension to Australia’s batting depth. However, with crucial selection decisions looming, the WTC final and beyond will test Australia’s squad balance and strategy as they prepare for another cycle of major tournaments.
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