Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has warned that Pat Cummins’ potential absence from the upcoming Ashes series could expose a worrying lack of depth in Australia’s fast-bowling stocks.
Reports have emerged that Australian captain and fast-bowling spearhead Pat Cummins is unlikely to feature in the opening Test against England at Perth Stadium on November 21, after a lingering hot spot continued to trouble him.
However, even more concerning is that the 32-year-old could miss the entire Ashes series, with his ongoing back injury showing little improvement.
According to The Guardian, recent scans have revealed the issue hasn’t healed, leaving him racing against time to be fit just six weeks out from the opening Test.
MORE: No Cummins, no worries? What Australia will be missing with skipper sidelined
Having not won a Test on Australian soil since 2011, former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Cummins’ potential absence gives England “an incredible chance to get back the urn,” Yahoo News reports.
Having played 71 Tests, Healy shared how Cummins’ absence would be a major blow for Australia, praising the skipper’s composure and reliability as the team’s long-time go-to man.
“He will be a huge miss but do not risk Pat Cummins at all,” Healy stated on SEN Radio on Thursday.
“He’s a composed and absolutely consistent performer. He is our go-to when we need it and he gets the job done. He’s tolerant, calm and an empowering leader.”
In Cummins’ absence, Scott Boland is tipped to step in for Cummins in the first Test, continuing his strong record on home soil.
However, with the 36-year-old nearing the end of his career, Healy questioned who would be next in line if another bowler were to go down injured.
“Scotty Boland is going to be into the attack – he will be first in line but if we get an injury who else do we have? Michael Neser is in the conversation for any Test. I would like him to get a game,” he said.
While the former Australian wicketkeeper expressed confidence that the new quartet can get the job done, he warned that Australia’s bowling attack is nearing the twilight of its era — exposing a growing concern over the nation’s lack of depth for the future.
“The depth will be building because we've had these four bowlers together for 10 years," Healy added.
"There's been a whole generation skipped over. With the youngsters you try to get as much cricket into them as you possibly can but they're a bit vulnerable to injury and then they have to take a double step up.”