Pat Cummins Australian cricketer & also the captain of the Australian cricket team, has set his sights on playing all six Test matches during their current tour in the UK. The tour begins with the World Test Championship Final against India, followed by the five-match Ashes series against England. The Ashes opener starts on June 16, just four days after the WTC final ends. The schedule is quite tight, with a little over six weeks and shorter breaks between the Tests. While some rotation among players is expected, Cummins prefers not to be left out.
When asked if he could play all six matches, Cummins explained that it’s a balancing act. He has experienced exhaustion and fatigue in the past but still managed to perform well. However, if the need arises, he is open to having a conversation about it. Cummins intends to play all six matches and believes it is manageable, especially with the breaks between each batch of two Test matches. He also mentioned that Cameron Green’s bowling abilities will provide additional support. At 30 years old, Cummins will be playing his 50th Test in the WTC final, which is a significant achievement considering the back injuries he has overcome.
Cummins emphasized that longevity in Test cricket is just as important as performance statistics like averages and strike rates. He acknowledged the physical demands of playing Test cricket in different conditions around the world. Given his struggles with chronic back issues, there were times when he doubted whether he would be able to return to Test cricket. Even the shorter formats of white-ball cricket took a toll on his body. Looking back, Cummins acknowledged the advice he received from physiotherapists and others who had dealt with similar challenges. He learned the importance of patience and perseverance during his journey to reach 50 Test matches.
Among the 14 cricketers who have played 100 Tests for Australia, Glenn McGrath is the only fast bowler in that elite group. While Cummins, at 30 years old, hopes to continue playing red-ball cricket for as long as his body allows, he emphasized that he is not thinking too far ahead. He expressed his desire to still have a considerable number of Tests ahead of him, but he also acknowledged that it will depend on various factors. Cummins currently feels in excellent shape after a break of two to three months, and he believes his teammates Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who are a few years older, demonstrate that fast bowlers can maintain fitness into their mid-30s. Ultimately, Cummins will take each series as it comes and see how things unfold.