Pat Cummins, the key fast bowler, will not join Australia’s squad for the tour of Scotland and England due to workload management. Known for playing all formats, Cummins will take an extended break as the selectors have chosen to rest him before the demanding five-match Test series against India later this year. This series is crucial for both Australia and India, as they aim to gain important points for their World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
Pat Cummins gets a break of eight weeks
In an interview with Fox Cricket, Cummins expressed his relief at the break, acknowledging that he has been bowling continuously since the WTC final last year. He welcomed the rest, recognizing it as an opportunity to recover and return stronger for the home summer, including the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
“Everyone that comes back after a break is a little bit fresher, you never regret it. I’ve basically been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final, nearly 18 months ago. This gives me a good seven or eight weeks completely off bowling so the body can recover, then you start building up again for the summer.
In the last 18 months, Pat Cummins led Australia in two ICC tournaments, the WTC final and the ODI World Cup final. He led Australia to title wins in both tournaments to create history.
The break makes ‘you less susceptible to injuries’, claims Pat Cummins
The 31-year-old further mentioned the advantages of taking a break and said that he can be less injury-prone now and will be able to bowl for a longer period.
“It means you can hopefully bowl for a little bit longer, maintaining pace is a bit easier, makes you less susceptible to injuries,” he added.
Australia will play three T20Is in Scotland before traveling to England for a three-match T20I series and a five-match ODI series. Cummins hasn’t been selected in any of them due to his workload.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood part of the squads
Mitchell Starc will participate only in the ODI portion of the tour, while being rested for all T20Is. Josh Hazlewood will be included in both the T20I and ODI squads. Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia for both formats.
Pat Cummins has been a pivotal player for Australia recently, boasting an impressive captaincy record that includes leading the team to victory in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup, both in 2023 against India.
As a right-arm fast bowler, Cummins is a key asset in Test cricket, holding a prominent position with 269 wickets in 62 Tests at an exceptional average of 22.53. He will also play a significant role in Australia’s plans for the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February-March next year, where he is expected to lead the team.
