Pat Cummins, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against India, missed the 2025 Champions Trophy but is confident about his fitness as he gears up for a packed schedule.
“The ankle is feeling strong. I’ve been able to rest it properly and build up gradually, which isn’t always possible with a busy cricket calendar,” Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. “It should be fine for the IPL—that’s the plan. I’ve got a few weeks of bowling ahead to get fully back up to speed.”
Cummins revealed that his ankle had required careful management over time, but it became a bigger concern during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Rather than opting for surgery, he relied on rehab and cortisone injections to aid recovery.
Looking ahead, the Australian skipper hopes to gradually increase his workload in the IPL before playing a full role in the three-Test series against the West Indies after the WTC Final. He acknowledged the need for strategic rest in a hectic schedule, recognizing that skipping certain tours can help prolong a player’s peak performance.
“Sometimes missing the odd tour means you actually end up playing more cricket over the year,” he said. “These days, it’s all about managing players to ensure they’re at their best for key tournaments and series.”
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With Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc absent from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, the team has relied on an inexperienced pace attack. Youngsters like Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis have stepped up, with Dwarshuis claiming three wickets against England and Ellis impressing with his control in a high-scoring match.
“[Ellis] is so valuable because he can bowl at any stage,” Cummins said. “He doesn’t need the new ball to make an impact—he can bowl in the middle and at the death as well.”
Beyond the WTC Final, Cummins has one eye on Australia’s upcoming white-ball assignments, including next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. As defending champions, Australia will aim to retain their title, and Cummins is fully committed to leading them into the tournament.
“It comes around quickly—we’re already almost halfway,” he said. “Right now, Test cricket and other formats take priority, but as it gets closer, our focus will shift towards that.”
