Pat Cummins Targets Return for Brisbane Ashes Test; Australia Await Hazlewood Update

Australia captain Pat Cummins has provided an encouraging update on his fitness, indicating he has “half a chance” of returning for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, beginning December 4. Cummins missed the Perth opener due to a lumbar bone stress injury and was unable to achieve full match fitness despite completing a high-intensity nets session before the first Test.

Cummins Confident About His Progress

The skipper, speaking on Fox Sports, said his recovery trajectory is positive and significantly better than it was two weeks ago.

“It’s on track and pulling up pretty well. I’m half a chance for the next game. I’m pretty hopeful, and it’s probably better than it was a few weeks ago,”
Cummins said.

In his absence, Australia fielded three specialist pacers — Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Brendan Doggett — with Josh Hazlewood also sidelined.

No Update Yet on Josh Hazlewood

Australia continue to await a medical update on Hazlewood, who missed the Perth Test due to a hamstring strain. He was withdrawn from New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Victoria after experiencing discomfort, with subsequent scans confirming the injury.

His availability for the Gabba Test remains uncertain.

Australia Dominate England in Perth

Despite missing two frontline fast bowlers, Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket win to take a 1–0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

Chasing 205, Australia stormed to victory in just 28.2 overs, finishing the match inside two days — a rare outcome in Ashes history.

Travis Head’s Record-Breaking Knock

Travis Head produced one of his finest innings, smashing 123 off 83 deliveries, including a 69-ball century — the fastest fourth-innings hundred in a successful Test chase. His innings featured 16 fours and four sixes, rescuing Australia after a brief collapse.

England were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs earlier in the match, and although they reduced Australia to 123 for nine on Day 1, Australia’s bowlers — particularly Boland and Starc — staged a superb comeback to set the stage for Head’s heroics.