Pat Cummins has resumed bowling as he prepares for the IPL next month and the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June. The Australian Test and ODI captain missed the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against India. However, he confirmed that his rehab is progressing well.
“The ankle is strong. I’ve been able to rest and rebuild it properly,” Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. “I should be fine for the IPL. The plan is to have a few weeks of bowling and then not worry about it.”
Cummins, an ambassador for Prime, Australia’s exclusive Champions Trophy broadcaster, explained that his ankle has been a long-term issue. It worsened during the Boxing Day Test, but he avoided surgery, opting for cortisone injections and rehab instead. He plans to build his workload during the IPL and aims to play a full role in Australia’s three-Test series against West Indies after the WTC final. He may, however, skip some white-ball matches before the Ashes.
Australia’s current pace attack in Pakistan lacks experience due to the absence of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Ben Dwarshuis impressed with three wickets, while Nathan Ellis bowled superbly despite a high-scoring match. Josh Inglis, however, stole the spotlight with a brilliant 120 off 86 balls, following his maiden Test ton against Sri Lanka.
Cummins believes Inglis could retain his spot in the WTC final, even with Sam Konstas and Cameron Green in contention. He also reaffirmed his commitment to leading Australia at the 2027 ODI World Cup. “We’ve been building towards it,” he said. “As it gets closer, it will become a bigger focus.”
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