Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is set to undergo crucial scans in four weeks to assess his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the subcontinent, head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed. The news comes as Cummins, who has been grappling with a back issue since July, aims to secure his place in the squad despite recent setbacks.
Test captain Cummins, aged 32, has been sidelined since returning from the West Indies tour, missing the first two matches of the Ashes series this summer. His return in the third Test against England was marked by a stellar performance, taking six wickets at Adelaide Oval, ensuring Australia’s retention of the Ashes urn. However, he has since been kept out of action, missing the final matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Speaking at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, McDonald confirmed Cummins’ inclusion in Australia’s 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, which will be announced next week. However, he cautioned that Cummins’ participation could be in jeopardy pending the results of the upcoming scan.
“(The scans) will give us the information on where he’s at for the World Cup,” McDonald explained. “He’ll be named in the squad of 15, and then we’ll get that information as to where he’s at.”
Injury Updates on Key Players
McDonald also provided updates on other key players, including seamer Josh Hazlewood and pinch-hitter Tim David, both of whom are nursing injuries. Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues, is reportedly on track to make a comeback in time for the World Cup.
“He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible time frames,” McDonald stated. “Hoff looks good.”
Meanwhile, Tim David sustained a hamstring injury during a Big Bash League match for the Hobart Hurricanes in Perth on Boxing Day. Despite retiring hurt after scoring 42, the 29-year-old has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket this year. Scans conducted on Monday will determine the extent of his injury.
“He has had a hamstring injury, not sure whether it’s just pure muscle or tendon,” McDonald noted. “We’re unaware as to what it is at the moment. We’ll have more information and I dare say we’ll be able to put something out later today once we get that info. I think the time frame will be kind on TD, so he should be available no matter what that injury is.”
Australia’s World Cup Preparations
Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign is set to commence in Colombo on February 11. The team is under pressure to perform well in the subcontinent, a region where conditions can be challenging for pace bowlers like Cummins and Hazlewood. The inclusion of these experienced players is seen as pivotal to Australia’s success.
The announcement comes as Australia seeks to build on its cricketing legacy, having a storied history in international tournaments. The potential absence of Cummins could be a significant blow, given his leadership and experience. However, the team remains optimistic about his recovery and subsequent participation.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks will be crucial for Cummins and the Australian squad. As the team awaits the results of the scans, the focus will be on ensuring that all players are fit and ready for the World Cup challenge. The management’s decision to include Cummins in the squad reflects their confidence in his ability to recover in time.
Meanwhile, fans and cricket analysts alike will be watching closely as Australia finalizes its squad and prepares for the tournament. The outcome of Cummins’ scan will not only influence team dynamics but also set the tone for Australia’s World Cup journey.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the subcontinent, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and competitive T20 World Cup.
