Cummins Targets Ashes Return as Hazlewood Faces Major Doubt for 1st Brisbane Test
The upcoming 2025–26 Ashes brings excitement and concern for Australia. Pat Cummins targets a strong comeback after injury, while Josh Hazlewood remains doubtful for the Brisbane opener. With the Gabba’s significance and both pacers facing fitness questions, Australia’s selection decisions could shape the series and influence early momentum against England.1. The Importance of the Ashes Opener at the Gabba
1.Why the Brisbane Opener Matters
Establishes momentum early in the series
Tests both teams in hostile, fast-bouncy conditions
Gives bowlers pace, carry, and natural movement
Australia’s track record there is intimidating
England knows it; Australia knows it even more.
Therefore, the availability of Cummins and Hazlewood — two bowlers perfectly suited for Gabba conditions — becomes an essential element of pre-series strategy.
2. Pat Cummins: Eyeing a High-Impact Comeback
Pat Cummins remains at the centre of Australia’s Ashes planning. His combination of pace, accuracy, bounce, stamina, and leadership makes him irreplaceable. After managing an injury earlier in the year, Cummins has steadily progressed through his rehabilitation program.
2.1 Cummins’ Recovery Journey
Cummins was ruled out of Australia’s late-2024 Test assignments due to a minor but sensitive side strain. Though not considered severe, such injuries require careful management to avoid aggravation.
Reports indicate that:
He has resumed full-intensity bowling
He is participating in match simulation sessions
2.2 Why Cummins’ Comeback Matters
He is Australia’s most dependable long-spell bowler
His control of line and length builds pressure for others
His reverse swing in the second innings is lethal
Cummins’ return could significantly boost Australia’s morale heading into the series.
3. Josh Hazlewood: Uncertainty Clouds Brisbane Opener
While Cummins’ recovery is promising, Hazlewood’s situation is murkier. Known for unmatched consistency, Hazlewood has recently battled recurring injuries, particularly side strains and niggles that have limited his availability.
3.1 Hazlewood’s Fitness Concerns
Hazlewood’s injury history has been a growing concern:
Missed extended periods in 2023 and 2024
Managed workload during white-ball tournament.
3.2 Why Hazlewood Is Critical
Hazlewood is often compared to Glenn McGrath for:
Metronomic accuracy
Natural seam movement
Patience and discipline
He thrives at the Gabba:
Extracting bounce
Hitting the deck hard
Creating pressure from one end
His absence would alter Australia’s entire bowling balance.
3.3 Hazlewood’s Chances of Playing
As of now:
He has resumed bowling in the nets
Match fitness remains uncertain
A call will be made close to the match
Selectors are unlikely to risk him if not 100%.
4. How Australia’s Pace Attack Looks With/Without Hazlewood
4.1 If Hazlewood Plays
The ideal lineup becomes:
Cummins
Hazlewood
Starc
Green (all-rounder)
This is Australia’s strongest possible attack — balanced, hostile, and experienced.
4.2 If Hazlewood Misses Out
Expect replacements from:
Scott Boland — lethal on seaming decks
Jhye Richardson — swing and pace option
Lance Morris — express pace (155 km/h)
Sean Abbott — all-rounder value
Each brings something different, but none replicate Hazlewood’s control.
5. Candidates Who Could Replace Hazlewood
5.1 Scott Boland
Specialist in bowler-friendly pitches
Known for accuracy, seam, and movement
Destroyed England in 2021 with 6/7 at MCG
Perfect for Brisbane conditions
Boland is the favourite if Hazlewood is ruled out.
5.2 Lance Morris
Nicknamed “The Wild Thing”
Bowls 150+ km/h
Intimidating short-ball spells
Unpredictability could unsettle England’s batters
A bold but exciting option.
6. How England Will View This Situation
England will be carefully watching Australia’s fitness reports. They know:
Cummins at the Gabba = nightmare for any touring side
Hazlewood missing = a major opportunity
England’s Bazball approach thrives against inconsistency. Hazlewood’s absence could allow England to take more risks.
However:
Cummins + Starc + Boland is still a world-class attack
The Gabba is unforgiving for touring batters
England’s top-order has collapsed repeatedly in Australia
Any slight advantage could be temporary.
7. Tactical Impact on Australia if Hazlewood Misses Out
7.1 Overs Distribution
Hazlewood typically bowls long, economical spells. Without him:
Cummins may need to bowl more
Green may take additional overs
Starc may need to attack early
7.2 Field Placements
Australia may require more defensive fields if the replacement bowler struggles.
8. The Cummins–Starc Combo: Australia’s Backbone
Even if Hazlewood is unavailable, Cummins and Starc together create a deadly partnership.
Cummins
Accuracy
Movement
Bounce
Patience
Starc
Swing
Swinging yorkers
New-ball destruction
Left-arm angle
This duo can dismantle any lineup, especially in home conditions.
Conclusion
As the Ashes opener at the Gabba draws near, Australia finds itself in a blend of confidence and concern. Pat Cummins’ expected return is a massive boost — both technically and emotionally — for the team. His presence alone transforms the bowling lineup, leadership structure, and match dynamics.
Conclusion
The WPL 2026 Auction is set to be historic — not because of overseas megastars, but because uncapped Indian women cricketers are finally taking center stage. With exceptional talent emerging from domestic circuits, franchises are ready to fight hard to secure the next big Indian superstar.
Also Read: PM Modi Salutes India’s Blind Women’s Team After Iconic T20 World Cup Victory
