Post by : Maya Rahman

Coach Andrew McDonald of the Australian team remains optimistic about the potential return of captain Pat Cummins for the second Ashes Test. He also reassured fans that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to be sidelined for the entire series, despite his current injury. McDonald provided these encouraging updates during a press briefing as Australia gears up for the upcoming match.

Cummins had previously mentioned that he was only a “half chance” to take part in the day-night Test against England in Brisbane on December 4. However, McDonald sounded more hopeful, noting that Cummins was scheduled to bowl in the nets on the fourth day of the Perth Test. Since Australia secured victory in just two days, it altered their training schedule, delaying Cummins' bowling session by an additional day.

The coach acknowledged that things haven’t entirely gone according to plan, but he still holds a positive outlook. He mentioned that the team will have a better understanding of Cummins' recovery once he resumes bowling. Discussions regarding Cummins’ availability will continue until right before the next match. McDonald concluded that Cummins is nearing the end of his recovery journey, which bodes well for the Australian squad.

Also in focus is Hazlewood, another vital member of Australia’s pace trio who missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury. McDonald stated that Hazlewood has just started his rehabilitation process, and further updates will be available as he progresses. Nevertheless, McDonald remains hopeful that Hazlewood will be fit for later matches in the Ashes series.

In the first Test, the third fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, had an impressive outing, taking 10 wickets for 113 runs, leading Australia to a resounding victory. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja faced back spasms during the match that prevented him from opening in the second innings. Khawaja has since returned home for medical evaluations. McDonald indicated that Khawaja is not guaranteed to play in the second Test, even if he becomes fit, as they await further medical updates.

In Khawaja's absence, Travis Head stepped up to open in the second innings, scoring a match-winning century. McDonald suggested this could be a viable option moving forward, explaining that teams sometimes adjust batting orders in the second innings to better adapt to challenging conditions, similar to one-day cricket strategy. He confirmed that Head has also shown interest in maintaining that role.

As the upcoming match features a pink-ball Test at the Gabba, conversations around team combinations are ongoing. Pink-ball matches, particularly under floodlights, tend to favor fast bowlers. However, McDonald emphasized that Nathan Lyon, Australia’s seasoned spinner, won't be easily dropped. He explained that even in pink-ball conditions, the middle session often proves manageable for spin bowling, and Lyon continues to be a critical part of their bowling lineup.

McDonald remains hopeful regarding Australia's prospects, believing that Cummins, Hazlewood, and Khawaja all have good chances of making quick recoveries. With standout performances from players like Starc and Head, Australia aims to keep the momentum going in the Ashes series.

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