Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has indicated he will almost certainly sit out the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, despite declaring he feels "great" after masterminding Australia's Ashes-retaining victory in Perth.
Ashes Secured in Dominant Fashion
The Australian men's cricket team emphatically retained the coveted Ashes urn on Sunday, securing an unassailable 3-0 series lead with an 82-run win in the third Test. The home side mopped up England's final four wickets to clinch the series, though not before the visitors threatened a record-breaking run chase that added late drama to the contest.
Pat Cummins played a pivotal role in the victory, shrugging off any concerns about his fitness to claim three wickets in each innings. His performance included the prized dismissal of England's star batter Joe Root in both innings, a crucial contribution to the team's success.
Cummins Prioritises Recovery After Aggressive Build-Up
Speaking after the match, Cummins confirmed that with the series now decided, managing his workload and a pre-existing back issue would take priority. "First of all, I felt great, just like a normal Test match," Cummins stated. "Feeling really good. As for the rest of the series, we'll wait and see."
The skipper explained the team's calculated risk-taking approach. "We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it's an Ashes there to be won. We thought that was worth it," he said. "Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job done, let's kind of reassess the risk."
He was direct about his immediate future: "I doubt I'll be playing Melbourne and then we'll have a chat about Sydney."
Injury Toll to Reshape Australian Side
Cummins won't be the only high-profile absentee for the Melbourne Test starting December 26. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury on day three. "It doesn't look great," Cummins said of Lyon's prognosis. "Seeing someone on crutches doesn't really bode well for a Test match a week away."
This opens the door for a reshaped Australian bowling attack at the MCG. Furthermore, former captain Steve Smith is likely to return to the side after missing the Perth Test due to concussion protocols.
Cummins' management from a lumbar bone stress injury has been a major talking point throughout the Australian summer. After initial uncertainty, his return to Test cricket was seamless, and Australia's plan to have him fit and firing for the crucial early Tests has paid the ultimate dividend with the Ashes secured.
