In a significant move aimed at safeguarding a key asset, the Australian cricket team has decided to rest their Test captain and premier fast bowler, Pat Cummins, for the remainder of the ongoing Ashes series against England. The decision comes after Australia successfully retained the coveted urn, sealing the series victory.
Protecting the Captain: A Proactive Call
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the news, stating that the team management has chosen to put Cummins "on ice" following his successful return from a back stress injury. Cummins had made a impactful comeback in the Adelaide Test, claiming six crucial wickets to help his team clinch the series. McDonald emphasized that the choice is fundamentally about protecting the fast bowler's long-term future.
"He won't play any part in the rest of the series," McDonald said. "We were taking on some risk with his return, and we've now won the series, which was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardise him long term is not something that we want to do." The coach added that Cummins is fully comfortable with this cautious approach.
Starc, the 'Freak', Ready to Lead the Attack
While Cummins takes a well-deserved break, the Australian camp remains confident in the durability of another pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc. Despite having bowled close to 100 overs in the intense series so far, the 35-year-old left-arm quick is expected to be fit and firing for the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
McDonald revealed that the team's medical staff have labelled Starc a "physical anomaly" and a "freak" due to his remarkable recovery powers. "Starc's amazing. He's pulled up fine," McDonald praised. "He keeps running in and presenting the pace that he does. He's given up a lot of IPL opportunities because he wants to play Test cricket, and he's still at his best."
Boland Fit, Richardson in Contention for MCG
On the selection front, Scott Boland is reportedly on track to overcome a minor hip issue and be available for his home Test in Melbourne. The search for Cummins's replacement will see several names in the mix. Pacers Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett are all under consideration, with the final pick likely to depend on the specific conditions at the MCG.
McDonald also took a moment to commend Cricket Australia's medical team for their role in Richardson's successful recovery from shoulder surgery earlier this year, a decision that is now paying dividends with the bowler back in contention.
With the Ashes secured, Australia's focus now shifts to managing player workloads and building depth, with an eye on future challenges including the assessment of Cummins's availability for the T20 World Cup in February.
