Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins, who sustained a quad strain during the Perth Test, has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies with Steve Smith standing in as the skipper.
The Aussies have opted to take no risks with Cummins as they keep an eye on the busy schedule. Smith will be the stand-in skipper for the second year, having captained Australia last year when Cummins was considered a close COVID-19 contact.
Cummins had 40 minutes of running drill on Tuesday but did not bowl. He was ruled out of the match before Australia trained on Wednesday, with the medical staff believing there’s not enough time for full recovery.
“Team medical staff commenced Cummins’ recovery in Adelaide but selectors deemed there was not sufficient time for the fast bowler to be fully fit for the match, which starts tomorrow. Cummins is expected to return for the opening Test match against South Africa in Brisbane,”
a Cricket Australia statement read.
Scott Boland, who had an outstanding Ashes campaign last year, is set to make a comeback into the side. Boland had a spectacular debut, where he picked 6 for 7 at Melbourne and averaged just 9.55 in three Tests.
Nathan Lyon believes Boland will feel at home at Adelaide which is a pretty similar wicket to the MCG.
“That wicket last year was pretty similar to an Adelaide wicket. It’s probably the closest a drop-in MCG wicket has been. His skill set has always been at the top in my eyes.
He hits me in the pad for fun when I play him in state cricket. But what I see in Scott now is his confidence level has gone up a little,”
said Lyon.
With a packed schedule, managing the workload of their fast bowlers will be crucial for Australia. They will be playing four Tests in the next four weeks, with the Adelaide Test followed by three-match series against South Africa. Australia will then travel to India for four Tests in February.
