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Australia captain Pat Cummins has declared himself ready for a long-awaited comeback, confirming on Saturday that he expects to be fit for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after more than three months on the sidelines.
Cummins, 32, has been out of action since sustaining a lower-back injury during Australia’s series against the West Indies earlier this year.
The setback ruled him out of the Ashes opener in Perth, which Australia wrapped up inside two days, and the ongoing day-night clash at the Gabba.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Cummins provided the clearest indication yet that his return is imminent.
“I’ll have one more bowl tomorrow in the nets, and then we’ll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there. So barring any hiccups, I’ll be good to go,” he said. “The body feels great.”
In his absence, Steve Smith has taken over leadership duties, while Scott Boland has filled the vacancy in the fast bowling attack.
With Josh Hazlewood also unlikely to be available for Adelaide, Cummins’ return would most likely see either Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser make way.
Pat Cummins revealed that selectors came close to naming him for the Gabba Test but ultimately opted for caution.
“It just felt a bit too acute at the end and didn’t really feel fair on the other bowlers,” he explained. “It didn’t feel like the right Test match to take that risk, so kick it down the road for a week.”
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