Pat Cummins: Australia skipper facing race against time to play in Ashes

New Delhi: Australia skipper Pat Cummins is facing a race against time to play in the upcoming Ashes series against England, starting in Perth on November 21. Battling a back injury, Cummins is all but ruled out for the opening Test, but hopes of his participation in the subsequent matches are still alive.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has provided a fitness update on Cummins ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

Cummins has not bowled since July due to the injury. The Australia skipper, who was excluded from the white-ball squads for the home series against India, only returned to running earlier this month.

McDonald says that time is running out for Cummins to prove his fitness ahead of the Ashes opener, but hopes remain that the fast bowler will feature in the series. His comeback bid depends on whether he returns to the bowling crease at training within the next 10 days.

"Myself and Patty (Pat Cummins) have spoken about that type of timeframe," McDonald said.

"Or else you start to bring in other risk factors. A: You're not skill ready or B: Soft tissue injuries then become a real risk. 

"And if you were to do a soft tissue injury early in a series like the Ashes, then it's a long way back from where he's been. So we'll be mindful of all those risk factors," he added.

In case Cummins misses out, former skipper Steve Smith could lead the side. Meanwhile, Scott Boland could be the replacement for the fast bowler to bowl alongside regulars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

However, McDonald is still hopeful of Cummins' return, revealing that his prognosis had actually improved in recent times.

"There's some positive signs speaking to Patty over the last few days. He's a lot more optimistic. Those who have been through this type of injury (say) these things ebb and flow," McDonald noted.

The five-Test series begins in Perth in November and concludeds in Sydney in January 2026.