Pat Cummins advised skip 2025–26 Ashes against England; Replace his name

Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy has urged selectors to rest captain Pat Cummins for the 2025-26 Ashes. series against Australia, which is scheduled to start on November 21. Healy said Australia have limited options of experienced fast bowlers, but rushing the Australian skipper’s return could put his fitness at risk.

Australia has a fast bowling quartet of Cummins, Mitchell Stark, Josh Hazlewoodand Scott Bolland, and their dominance has created a gap in experience. With Cummins unavailable, Boland is expected to be chosen as the third seamer, while… Michael’s nosesFergus O’Neill and Xavier Bartlett are still in the running.

Pat Cummins Never Take Any Risk – Ian Healy

Ian Healy stated that Pat Cummins is irreplaceable for the team due to his consistency, leadership and composure. Healy added that Cummins should not be rushed back from injury, but Australia lack other experienced fast bowling options in case there are further injury concerns.

“It would be a big loss but don’t risk Pat Cummins at all. He’s quite a calm and consistent performer. He’s our go-to when we need him and gets the job done. He’s tolerant, calm and a solid leader. Scott Bolland will be involved in the attack – he’ll be first-line, but if we get injured who else will we have?” Healy said at the SENQ breakfast.

Pat Cummins is recovering from a lumbar bone strain injury sustained after Australia’s tour of the West Indies, which also forced him out of the upcoming white-ball series at home against India.

Recent scans revealed that the injury has not fully healed, reducing his chances of featuring in the Ashes team. In his potential absence, Steve Smith, who took charge for parts of the 2023-24 season, is expected to lead the team.

Michael Eagle in Conversation for Any Test – Ian Healy

Ian Healy stated that the experience of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon could carry the team even without Pat Cummins. He also stated that Michael Eagle is a strong contender for selection for the next home series.

Healy continued: “Michael is a vulture in the conversation for any Test. I would love for him to have a game. Then there’s the teammate involved. He shares beers, drinks wine, great team-mates.”

“Starc, the wicket-taker, (Nathan) Lyon is a real container, and Hazlewood has never left. They can get the job done without Cummins.”

It’s number one – Ian Healy

Michael Neser is Australia’s top choice for the fast bowling replacement position, with emerging talents Fergus O’Neill and Xavier Bartlett also in contention, the former cricketer said.

“Eagle – if he’s the best candidate we have in our ranks, let’s get him in. He’s number one. Then number two is a fellow called Fergus O’Neill, 38 wickets last year, in the Sheffield Shield. He’s a top contender. Number three, Xavier Bartlett – an up-and-coming young man who is being tested at every level, Australia A, one-day, four-day, and is doing very well,” Healy detailed.

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