Australia’s fast bowling attack has suffered a big blow just before the 2025-26 Ashes series. In fact, two of their main bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, are currently recuperating from different injuries.
As there is a second Test at The Gabba (day-night) very soon, the question is whether both quicks will be available, and fans and commentators are already speculating about it?
Cummins: Apex of Comeback
Pat Cummins had to stop playing because of a stress fracture in his back, which also made him miss the first Test. But things have taken a positive turn recently: it’s been reported that he was bowling with a pink ball in the nets in Sydney clearly gearing up for the Gabba Test.
Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, has said that the speed and intensity were there in Cummins’ practice sessions and now it is just a matter of making the muscles strong enough to withstand long spells of fast bowing.
Everything points to the fact that Cummins is most likely to play in the second Test unless he fails the last fitness tests or is unable to endure the incredible strain that a new ball specialist has to go through in Test cricket.
Hazlewood: Not Likely for 2nd Test, But Possibly Later
On the other hand, Hazlewood is healing from an injury to his hamstring, and he is back in the nets but only in a restricted way so far. In practice, he threw a red ball.
Coach McDonald remarked, “I’m certain he will be there at times during the series.” Yet, the most recent news suggests that Hazlewood will not be fit for the second Test but might be back for third Test.
So, Hazlewood’s comeback is still in the cards but, according to the latest information, not for the Gabba Test.
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What This Means for Australia & England
If Cummins is fit for the second Test, the Australian attack will be extremely strong. He is not only a wicket-taker but also a leader and a strike bowler. Furthermore, Hazlewood’s later return will only heighten their strength.
For England, it means a fresh, strong Australian bowling unit might attack in the second Test and thus add more pressure to their batsmen when the ball is pink and the lights are on.
They will also be conscious that both Cummins and Hazlewood may be included in the series, hence it is crucial to have a plan for them.
Final Take
Pat Cummins: Very likely to be there for the second Test at The Gabba.
Josh Hazlewood: Not likely to be in the Test No. 2, but a comeback in the series seems possible.
If Cummins plays, the feeling in Australia will be one of completeness. Hazlewood’s later return will give the pace attack the strongest bowlers of the series.
Written By:- Manjunath S