Australia captain Pat Cummins may miss the opening Ashes Test in Perth, but spinner Nathan Lyon believes the fast bowler could “realistically” return for the second Test in Brisbane. Cummins, 32, is recovering from a back injury that had cast doubt over his participation in the high-profile series against England.

Cummins’ Injury and Recovery Timeline

Cummins was ruled out of Australia’s limited-overs tours to New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress injury in his back. The paceman has a history of back problems, having suffered flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2015-16, which caused him to miss three Australian summers in four years.

Despite these setbacks, Cummins has been working tirelessly on his recovery. Nathan Lyon praised his captain’s dedication, saying:

“He’s doing everything that he possibly can. That’s one where you’re really proud of him as a mate but also as a team-mate and your captain. He’s really leading the way by setting the example. He’s training his backside off.”

Ashes Opener in Perth Likely Too Soon

The Ashes series 2025-26 gets underway in Perth on 21 November, and Lyon suggested that Cummins may not be ready for the high-intensity contest:

“Perth might be pretty difficult, if I’m being honest. But realistically, I think there’s still a big goal to potentially play Brisbane [or] Adelaide.”

Should he miss the first Test, Cummins will have 13 days to prove his fitness for the day-night Test in Brisbane on 4 December, and an additional 13 days before the Adelaide Test starting 17 December.

Australia Selectors Optimistic

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, has indicated that Cummins will play a “major part” in the five-match series, underscoring the team’s confidence in their captain’s ability to recover in time. Lyon added that Cummins’ professionalism and commitment set an example for the squad:

“I’ve seen him doing the work and you know the class of the player, but also the professionalism of Pat. He’s giving himself the best chance and that’s all we can ask.”

Ashes 2025-26 Schedule

• 1st Test: Perth – 21 November 2025
• 2nd Test: Brisbane (day-night) – 4 December 2025
• 3rd Test: Adelaide – 17 December 2025
• Series continues until 7 January 2026

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