Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, has announced an eight-week break to rejuvenate himself ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India later this year. This decision comes after a demanding schedule that included his debut in Major League Cricket (MLC) and a busy international calendar.
A Well-Deserved Break
Cummins, who recently returned from the United States after participating in the MLC, was rested for the upcoming white-ball tour of the United Kingdom to manage his workload effectively. He expressed his thoughts on taking a break, stating, “Everyone that comes back after a break is a little bit fresher, you never regret it.” This time off will allow him to recover physically after nearly 18 months of continuous bowling since the World Test Championship final.
“I’ve basically been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final. This gives me a good seven or eight weeks completely off bowling so the body can recover,” Cummins explained. He believes that this break will help him maintain his pace and reduce the risk of injuries when he returns to the field.
Recent Challenges
The past year has been particularly taxing for Cummins, who fractured his wrist during the Ashes series in England. Despite this setback, he has continued to play a crucial role for Australia, participating in various formats, including the IPL 2024, the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, the MLC 2024, and multiple Test series.
Reflecting on his physical state, Cummins mentioned, “I’m very sore today after a week of gym. Hamstrings, even ankles, kind of build up over months of bowling, but you can’t really nail it while you’re in the midst of the season.” He plans to focus on gym workouts, running, and rehabilitation exercises during his break.
The Importance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will consist of five Test matches, and Cummins is eager to lift the trophy, which has eluded Australia since 2017. India has dominated the series in recent years, winning four consecutive titles, including historic victories on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
“It’s the trophy I haven’t won before… this is the one trophy a lot of our group haven’t ticked off,” Cummins stated. He emphasized the importance of the series, noting, “We’ve achieved some amazing things over the last few years as a Test group. You kind of back yourself to win every series at home.”
Future Aspirations
Looking beyond the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Cummins is also eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its debut. He expressed his desire to compete for Australia in the Olympics, stating, “Watching the Olympics got us all excited. You want to be part of it right there in the middle.”
At 31, Cummins hopes to still be in contention for selection when the time comes. “Honestly right now, it feels a long way away. Maybe once we get closer and start building into it, everyone gets a bit more excited,” he added.
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