Australian batter Steve Smith said Pat Cummins must complete several benchmarks before resuming bowling activities as the captain recovers from a lower-back stress fracture. The veteran noted Cummins resumed running two weeks ago after medical scans showed progress, but the bowler has not started bowling preparation for the Ashes series beginning in one month. Smith will serve as stand-in captain if Cummins misses matches, and he expressed confidence about leading the squad using his personal approach to field management.
Cummins has not bowled since July, and medical staff previously indicated he would need at least four weeks of bowling training before match readiness. Smith observed Cummins maintains positive spirits during rehabilitation, and the team benefits from any participation the captain can provide across the five-match series. The batter emphasized Cummins requires less preparation time than other fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc, but circumstances regarding his availability for the Perth opener remain uncertain.
Cummins has not bowled since July, and medical staff previously indicated he would need at least four weeks of bowling training before match readiness. Smith observed Cummins maintains positive spirits during rehabilitation, and the team benefits from any participation the captain can provide across the five-match series. The batter emphasized Cummins requires less preparation time than other fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc, but circumstances regarding his availability for the Perth opener remain uncertain.
