England’s newly-appointed Test vice-captain Harry Brook lauded Pat Cummins and said that if the Australian captain missed the Ashes opener in Perth, it could play into the hands of the visitors.
According to several reports in the Australian media, Cummins is set to be ruled out of the first Ashes Test, which begins on November 21. Since making his Ashes debut in 2017–18, Cummins has never been part of a squad that has lost the urn.
“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace with high skill,” Brook told reporters at the Professional Cricketers’ Association Awards.
Against England, the New South Wales-based bowler has taken 91 wickets in 19 Tests so far. Even with the bat, he boasts a handy average of 20.48. While Cummins’ unavailability is a relief for England, Brook acknowledges the hosts’ bench strength.
“With him out of their side for the first game, from what we’ve seen in the reports, hopefully that plays into our hands. But they have a hell of a lot of good, quick bowlers out there — guys who can come into the side and, when their tails are up, can plough through teams. So we can’t take anybody lightly,” he added.
While there are doubts about the availability of Ben Stokes for the entire series, Brook is confident that the England skipper will play a full part in the five-match contest.
“Everybody in the world knows what he’s like — his character and the way that he just cracks on,” he said.
“That is the way the team is built now. Everybody keeps going. If you do have a little niggle, just power through — and that is what he does so well.”
The Optus Stadium will host the first Test, which will be followed by a day-night match in Brisbane. Adelaide will host the third, with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney rounding off the series.
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