Cummins in Good Spirits Despite Ashes Doubt, Says Starc
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Australian skipper Pat Cummins is maintaining a positive outlook and is expected to make a meaningful impact in the Ashes, according to fast bowling teammate Mitchell Starc.
Cummins is highly likely to miss the first Test due to a lower back problem and hasn’t been cleared to resume bowling. Though, Starc believes the captain has a remarkable ability to quickly regain peak form and fitness.
Starc,recently signed to play for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL for the first time in over a decade,noted Cummins has been attending training sessions in Sydney to maintain his core fitness ahead of the summer series.
Currently, Cummins is focusing on strength work for his legs but is restricted from any rotational movements to avoid aggravating the injury. He has previously battled soft tissue and ankle issues, and will be cautious to prevent a recurrence when he returns to bowling.
“He’s pretty level. He’s been floating around a little bit. Pat is still in his program and has obviously got a few sets of eyes on him in his return,” Starc said.
“He’s in good spirits. He’s ultra positive as always. There’s still some weeks to go before we get to Perth for the Test prep. We’ll see where that lands. Hopefully, we’ll see a lot of him thru the summer and we’ll see what we can do.”
Cummins previously adopted a less intense preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, and despite appearing underdone initially, he played a crucial role in Australia’s eventual victory.
Starc is confident that once Cummins is able to bowl again, he will swiftly return to his best.
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Starc Backs Boland to Shine as Ashes Selection Looms
Mitchell starc believes Scott Boland is ready to step up and deliver for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series, praising the Victorian quick’s skill and character.
Starc said the Australian attack had approached recent series as a quartet, rather than simply as the Big 3, and is confident the Victoria star will deliver with distinction again on home soil.
“Certainly in recent years, it’s always been a squad mentality or a group mentality in terms of particular bowlers and knowing how much hard work it is indeed,” Starc said.
“Obviously we’re not a young group anymore, but I think everyone knows the skills and the ability of Scott Boland. Whether you’ve seen him light up the MCG or seen him for years for victoria.
“We know the skill set that he offers. He’s such a fantastic character. His ability is amazing and quite rightly a Test-match winning bowler. If he’s called upon for a lot more Test cricket, what a man. They’ll build him a statue sooner.”
Victorian captain Will Sutherland, who has just returned from an Australia A tour of India, said Boland is expected to play in two of the state’s next three Sheffield Shield outings leading into the opening Test in Perth on november 21.
“I don’t think I’m giving anything away there (because) it was three out of four to start the season for his prep,” Sutherland said.
“We’re very lucky to have the big bowler whenever we can.”
Mitchell Starc Injury: Potential Replacements Named as Australia Faces Fast Bowling Concerns
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is facing a frustrating injury setback,perhaps impacting his availability for the upcoming white-ball series against India and the T20 World Cup in February and March. Starc sustained a minor hip injury during a recent training session, ruling him out of the initial stages of the domestic summer.
“It’s never great timing being injured,” Starc said. “Unfortunately, especially in this calendar year, there’s plenty of white ball cricket. Nonetheless of the back, I was planning on staying here in the winter and making sure this summer was a big one, hopefully for Australia. unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but there’s always opportunities.There’s still plenty of cricket to play post Christmas, and there’s obviously a T20 World Cup, which is something I’d love to be a part of. But unfortunately, in the short term, it’s not ideal.”
With a busy schedule ahead, including the ashes against England, Australia is already considering potential replacements. Australian selector Tony Dodemaide has identified Brendon Doggett, Michael Neser, and Sean Abbott as leading contenders should further injuries occur within the attack.
Though, Doggett himself is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, having already missed South Australia’s Shield opener and set to miss next week’s clash with Queensland, hindering his chances of a swift return to the national side.
Australia will begin a white-ball series against India in just over a week, followed by the Ashes, with the T20 World Cup looming four months away. the injury to Starc adds another layer of complexity to Australia’s fast bowling plans for a crucial period.
Will Sutherland backs Victorian Teammate Fergus O’Neill as Potential Ashes Contender
Will Sutherland believes the Australian bowling attack has sufficient depth heading into the summer, and has specifically highlighted Victorian teammate Fergus O’neill as a potential “smokey” for an Ashes call-up. Sutherland and fellow coaches have been preparing for the upcoming red-ball season, and are confident in the talent available.
“Scotty and I have been preparing for the summer to come in the red-ball game, but I think the depth is there,” Sutherland stated. “We’ve obviously got different age groups across the depth. Obviously we’ve got a fairly talented group of 19, 20-year-old bowlers and then a lot of depth from there up to us that have played a lot of domestic cricket. I think we’ve got a good group of guys that you’ve called upon who will take that prospect with two hands.”
O’Neill has consistently impressed in domestic cricket,leading Sutherland to advocate for his inclusion in the national conversation. While some have questioned whether O’Neill’s pace is sufficient for Test cricket, Sutherland is confident his skill and ability to perform will translate to the international stage.
“I don’t think so, personally. Whatever level he has played at, he seems to do well. He keeps finding a way to perform,” Sutherland said. “Obviously the Test wickets are a little bit flatter, so ball speed can come into it a little bit more. But he is so skilful. In County cricket, T20s, Shield stuff, he keeps getting it done.”
Sutherland noted O’neill’s adaptability and ongoing efforts to improve. “He has taken wickets on some flatter pitches as well and he is working on a bouncer as well, and he is always trying to pick up a few (extra) Ks (of pace).I have no doubt he will find a way if called upon. He is a super, super talent.”