Pat Cummins is making his return after a challenging summer.
In a significant boost for Australia’s pace stocks, the teenage sensation will take his initial steps toward selection for the West Indies tour by bowling in the SCG nets.
After being sidelined for the last ten weeks due to a heel injury, Cummins plans to bowl off a shorter run-up and aims to regain full form within two weeks, just in time for Australia’s opening one-day match in the Caribbean on March 16.
The 18-year-old expressed his eagerness to tour the West Indies, especially after a heel injury during his unforgettable Test debut against South Africa last November cut short his entire summer.
Cummins made history in Johannesburg when he became the youngest Test bowling debutant for Australia at 18 years and 193 days. Ending the match with figures of 7-117, he also earned man-of-the-match recognition after scoring the winning runs in Australia’s thrilling two-wicket victory.
He has left no stone unturned in his recovery, utilizing the $100,000 AlterG running machine from AFL team Sydney Swans, which minimizes body weight impact by 30 percent.
“It’s a relief; I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Cummins remarked.
“I’ve had three or four light bowling sessions recently, and I’ve not had any setbacks in the past month, so I’m ready to step it up.”
“I’ll bowl five overs off 10 or 11 steps, about two-thirds of my full run, so ideally, in a week or two, I’ll be back to my complete run and bowling well.”
The first among Australia’s Generation Next pacemen to break through, Cummins has been watching with frustration as James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc advanced ahead of him into the Test squad.
However, he remains hopeful that he will be selected for the Windies touring squad despite his extended absence, which is due to be announced in the next two weeks.
“It’s been tough to miss so many games, but I’ve been pleased for the others,” Cummins commented.
“Although it’s been frustrating for me, it’s been difficult to establish a timeline for my recovery, and it took some time for my heel to heal.”
“But I’m improving now. I’m targeting the West Indies and hope to be ready for the one-dayers and T20s over there.”
“I would love to be selected.”
Troy Cooley, chief of the Australian Centre of Excellence and former bowling coach, shared his satisfaction with Cummins’ recovery progress.
“I spoke to Pat recently, and he’s eager and ready to go,” he stated.
“It’s fantastic to have Pat back in the mix. We’ve discovered several promising young bowlers this summer, creating a nice blend.”
“He’s on the right track. He’s been doing everything correctly.”
by Buford Balony
