Pat Cummins’ injury setback has cast a shadow over Australia’s Ashes build-up, but cricket legend Brett Lee believes the captain must not rush his return. While Australia manage concerns over their skipper’s back, England have received timely boosts with Ben Stokes returning to batting practice and Mark Wood closing in on a comeback.
Lee, one of Australia’s most respected fast bowlers, has warned that Cummins must be “100 per cent raring to go” before stepping back into the Ashes arena. Speaking on Fox Cricket’s podcast The Follow On, he outlined the dangers of returning at less than full fitness, particularly when dealing with stress-related back injuries that can easily worsen if pushed too soon.
“He’s looking now to focus on the Test matches and there’s nothing wrong with that. There is no point coming back too early and playing the one day matches and then not be ready for the Test matches,” Lee said. “I just really hope Pat Cummins gives himself the amount of time to be 100 per cent raring to go ... and if he’s not ready for the first Test, not 100 per cent, leave him until the second Test. If he is not ready for the second Test, leave him to the Third. But if he is ready to go for the first Test, 100 per cent charge in.”
Lee’s message was clear: there is no reward for risking long-term damage by competing at “90 per cent” fitness. “What you don’t want to do is go in 90 per cent for the first Test, get injured, maybe in the first innings or the second innings, you know, and then you’re down a bowler and then you’ve lost the whole Australian summer, lost the captain, lost your strike bowler,” he added.
The 76-Test veteran knows the perils of rushing recovery better than most, having battled back issues of his own during his career. He pointed out that Cummins, now a seasoned leader, is experienced enough to make the right call. “Time is of essence here. (He has) got to make sure that he gives himself every opportunity. And Pat Cummins is a smart guy. It’s not his first mango season. He’s been around the bush a long time now and he’ll make sure he makes the right call.”
Depth in Australia’s bowling stocks
Australia do have back-up options if Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, or Mitchell Starc face further setbacks. Scott Boland looms as the immediate replacement, having already proven himself with match-winning spells in Adelaide and Sydney last summer. Lee said Boland would walk into most international sides, but the presence of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins makes his task a waiting game.
“Of course Scott Boland is the next cab off the rank. And it’s funny when we, either as a journalist or as a broadcaster, say that he’s the replacement (because) he would be any team across the world, in any format, to be truthful, and would be in the starting XI. But unfortunately, a bit like (Stuart) McGill in the Warne era, he was probably born in the wrong era,” Lee explained.
Beyond Boland, Lee flagged Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill, and Sean Abbott as realistic options. He also mentioned Nathan Ellis and Jhye Richardson, while Spencer Johnson, currently sidelined, remains a future contender. “Doggett, he was not even on my radar, but he has been a guy who has been around a long time now and has always been thereabouts, while Abbott has been around the squad a lot,” Lee said. “Spencer Johnson (who is currently injured) has been mentioned before. Guys like a Nathan Ellis, a Jhye Richardson who has done very well ... so pending fitness, Australia have got probably four or five guys that they can lean on.”
He added that Sheffield Shield form would be critical for any bolter hoping to push into the squad. Fringe bowlers, he suggested, should also aim to contribute beyond just their bowling. “Like I’ve always said, my advice to any young first class cricketer is if you’re out there, work on your skills. Work on making sure that you’re not just a fast bowler.”
England boosted by Stokes and Wood
While Australia weigh up their bowling depth, England’s Ashes build-up has received a significant lift. Ben Stokes, who missed the final Test against India with a shoulder injury, is back batting in the nets. Former Australian cricketer Ryan Campbell, now coaching Durham, revealed Stokes is progressing well.
“Over the last week, he has started to hit balls and had a really good session. The batting side of things is going very well but the bowling will take a lot longer. He is being treated very steadily,” Campbell told the BBC.
The return of Stokes as a batting option alone could galvanise England, but they may soon welcome back another key player. Fast bowler Mark Wood, sidelined since February, is on track for a return next week. Campbell suggested Wood’s availability would be a double bonus for both Durham and England. “If that happens, it is not only great for Durham but also for England. He is extremely close to playing,” he said.
A crucial countdown
With the Ashes looming, the contrasting scenarios highlight the pressure facing both camps. For Australia, patience with Cummins could be the difference between a long, productive summer and a costly gamble. England, meanwhile, will take great heart from the timely recoveries of Stokes and Wood, both of whom add depth and resilience to their squad.
For Lee, the message remains simple: rushing a return to cricket rarely pays off. The next few weeks will determine whether Cummins’ recovery aligns with the Ashes opener, or whether Australia must lean on their depth while their skipper regains full strength.
