Australian skipper Pat Cummins considers the three-match ODI series against India late next month to be the more realistic point of return in time for the 2023 World Cup in October-November. The pace spearhead is currently undergoing a six-week rehabilitation programme for a wrist fracture he picked up playing the final Ashes Test at The Oval.
Cummins got injured on the opening day of the critical contest for the urn and played with it over the next five days, mindful of the occasion, which aggravated matters for his left wrist and forced him into a month and a half of recovery process observed by the Aussie physios and medical staff.
The 30-year-old is included in the squad for the preceding five-match ODI series in South Africa and will be travelling with the side for the contest spanning September 7 to 17. However, he has declared the fixtures in Mohali, Indore and Rajkot from September 22-27 as a more likely comeback post for himself.
“It’s not too bad. I’ll head over to South Africa at the backend of that leg, but probably more those one-dayers ahead of the World Cup. Another few weeks and I’ll be right,”
“It hurt day one when I did it and hurt a lot when I was batting but didn’t think it was too bad. With each day it got a bit sorer, so knew it was probably bone as opposed to muscle.”
Cummins was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
He had been named Australia’s ODI skipper late last year, effectively being handed over the reigns for the 2023 World Cup as Aussies’ push to reclaim the crown they’ve worn for a record five times in men’s cricket.
But the veteran speedster has only been able to play and lead the side in two of the six matches that the five-time world champions have played since replacing the now-retired Aaron Finch. Both came against defending World Cup winners England at home.
Cummins missed Australia’s most recent 50-overs assignment in late March in India after returning home early due to the sad passing of his mother.
Australia will open their 2023 World Cup campaign against India on October 8 in Chennai.
