Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has successfully navigated a high-stakes return from injury to help secure the Ashes urn, and now has his focus firmly set on next month's T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.
From Injury Concern to Series Hero
The 32-year-old fast bowler missed the opening two Tests of the summer due to a significant back injury, casting doubt over his participation. However, he made a spectacular comeback in the Adelaide Test, claiming six crucial wickets in the match that clinched the series for Australia.
With the Ashes safely retained, Cricket Australia and team management made the cautious decision to rule Cummins out of the remaining Tests. The risk of playing back-to-back five-day matches so soon after his recovery was deemed too great.
"Feeling good, got through Adelaide unscathed so pretty happy," Cummins told Channel 7 during the Boxing Day lunch break. "As of a few weeks ago, I was still coming back from that back injury, so playing consecutive Tests was pretty high risk. We'll cool our heels for a little bit with the T20 World Cup next month."
World Cup Participation Still 'Grey' Area
Despite Cummins's optimism, his place in the squad for the T20 World Cup, which begins in early February, is not yet guaranteed. Australian coach Andrew McDonald has described the situation as "quite grey" and far from certain.
"I'm assuming he'll have a check-in scan at some point and gather more information around where his back is at," McDonald said earlier this week. "Looking forward to the World Cup, whether he will be there or not, I can't really say. We're hopeful."
It's worth noting that while Cummins captains the Test and One-Day International sides, the T20 leadership rests with all-rounder Mitch Marsh. Australia's defence of the T20 crown they won in 2021 has been underwhelming in the last two tournaments, adding pressure for a strong campaign in Sri Lanka.
Lyon Facing Lengthy Sideline Stint
In other significant team news, Cummins confirmed that veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is facing a lengthy rehabilitation period after undergoing surgery on his hamstring.
Lyon suffered the serious injury on the final day of the Adelaide Test and went under the knife shortly afterwards. "He had surgery a couple of days ago, so he'll have a lengthy layoff," Cummins said. "I don't know exactly, but it will be at least a few months. It's a bit of a long road ahead for him."
The 38-year-old, who is with the squad in Melbourne supporting from the change rooms, has time on his side for a recovery. Australia's next Test assignment isn't until August, a two-match series against Bangladesh in the Top End. "He's done it before, so hopefully he'll be back," Cummins added, noting Lyon was putting on a brave face despite being on crutches.
Lyon's absence forced Australia to select an all-pace attack for the ongoing fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a significant shift in strategy for the home side.
