The first match of The Ashes 2025-26 was action pack. The match, which was mostly drove by the pacers, but decided by Travis Head, who scored a match winning century for Australia. Pat Cummins missed the match due to injury. Will he return for the next match?
The second match of the 2025-26 Ashes series between Australia and England is scheduled to be played in Brisbane on December 4th, in which captain Pat Cummins could make a comeback. Pat Cummins was unable to take part in the Perth Test, which Australia won, due to a lower back injury.
Pat Cummins provides updates
Pat Cummins told broadcaster Kayo Sports, “I’m feeling good. I had some good sessions in Perth this week. I bowled about 10 overs, then took some rest and then started playing again. My chances of playing in the second Test are half. I’m hoping I’ll feel better than I have in the last few weeks.”
Cummins’ return will bolster the Australian camp. Josh Hazlewood is out of the first two Tests with a hamstring injury. It is believed he could miss the entire five-match series. Pat Cummins has stated that a final decision on his fitness will be made just before the second Test.
If Cummins is allowed to play at the Gabba, fast bowler Brendan Doggett, who made his international debut in the first match of the series, may have to sit out. Australia won the first match in Perth by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
England’s first innings was bundled out for 172 runs, with Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc taking seven wickets. In reply, Australia were bowled out for just 132 runs, giving England a 40-run lead. England scored 164 runs in the second innings, setting Australia a target of 205 runs to win, which Australia achieved in 28.2 overs. Travis Head scored 123 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne made an unbeaten 51.