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Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is planning a return to the Sheffield Shield to fine-tune his preparations ahead of the crucial Test series against India, scheduled to begin in late November. This decision comes after Cummins recently completed a stint in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States and has been rested from Australia’s upcoming white-ball tours of Scotland and England.
Cummins, who last played in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales in February 2021, has had limited appearances in four-day domestic cricket throughout his career, with only nine matches under his belt. However, with the demanding home summer approaching — featuring five Tests against India followed by two more in Sri Lanka — Cummins is looking to balance his build-up to these matches while ensuring he remains fresh and injury-free.
Focus on Strength and Conditioning
Speaking to News Corp, Cummins explained his approach to the coming months, emphasizing the importance of both physical preparation and match readiness. “Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] called me the other day and said we need to talk about this,” Cummins said. “I prefer to go a little bit fresher but definitely play some cricket going in.”
Cummins outlined his potential schedule leading up to the India series, which may include participating in two or three ODIs against Pakistan in early November, as well as playing a Sheffield Shield match or engaging in some limited-overs cricket for New South Wales. “I imagine kind of late October/early November will be when I start playing, building up for the Tests,” he added.
Critical Test Series Against India
The upcoming Test series against India is crucial for Australia as it will play a significant role in determining their chances of defending their World Test Championship title at Lord’s in June 2025. Australia currently sits second in the WTC standings, trailing India. With a packed schedule ahead, Cummins and the Australian team management are keen to ensure that the fast bowler is in peak condition to lead the side through a demanding series.
Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon Also Eye Domestic Cricket
Cummins isn’t the only Australian star eyeing domestic cricket as part of their preparation. Mitchell Starc, who is set to play in the ODI series against England after resting from the T20Is, and Josh Hazlewood, who will participate in the entire tour, could also feature for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the international season. Additionally, Nathan Lyon is expected to play at least two Shield matches before facing India.
Most of Australia’s top-order batters are likely to be available for the Sheffield Shield in October, providing them with valuable match practice before the Test series. Those not selected for the ODI series against Pakistan could have another outing in the Shield, while two Australia A four-day matches against India A in Mackay and Melbourne will offer further opportunities for fringe players to stake their claims.
Planning for a Grueling Season
Cummins’ return to the Sheffield Shield marks a strategic move to ensure he is both physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of the upcoming Test season. Missing the England tour was a long-planned decision, with Cummins focusing on building strength and conditioning over the next six to eight weeks. “I’ll have a good six or eight weeks off bowling where I’ll get in the gym every day, do some running, and get some strength back into my body,” Cummins said.
With the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan next February and a busy Test calendar, Australia’s management is carefully planning the workload of their premier fast bowlers to ensure they remain fit and firing for the crucial months ahead. Cummins’ return to domestic cricket will be closely watched as Australia prepares for one of the most anticipated Test series of the year.
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