Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Pat Cummins says he wants to play through Australia busiest Test period on record despite acknowledging it would be unlikely for Australia three leading fast bowlers to survive the schedule unscathed. The Australian captain is preparing for a demanding 12 month stretch that could include as many as 21 Test matches across multiple continents. The workload matters because Australia faces one of its most challenging periods in modern cricket while balancing player fitness, injuries, and long term planning.
Cummins recently returned to competitive cricket through the IPL after spending several months recovering from a back injury.
The fast bowler said his recovery has progressed positively.
“Body feels awesome,” Cummins said.
“I got a scan, all sweet.”
The next challenge now involves building enough workload to handle long Test spells.
Cummins plans to gradually increase bowling loads during June and July.
Australia faces historic schedule
Australia upcoming calendar presents one of the busiest periods the Test side has experienced.
The schedule begins with two home Tests against Bangladesh in August.
Over the following year, Australia faces multiple major assignments.
The team returns to South Africa for the first time since the Newlands ball tampering controversy.
There is also a major tour of India, another Ashes campaign in England, home matches against New Zealand, the 150 year anniversary Test at the MCG, and potentially another World Test Championship final.
The sheer volume creates challenges rarely seen in modern cricket.
“It’s kind of unprecedented,” Cummins admitted.
Cummins wants to play every Test
Despite the demands, Cummins remains ambitious.
He believes reduced cricket over the past year could help him physically handle the schedule.
“The lucky thing is I haven’t played much in the last year or so, so I’m actually coming in physically as good as I possibly could be,” he said.
Cummins hopes to feature throughout the period but recognises reality may intervene.
“I’m kind of hoping that I play all of them, but I’m sure things will pop up along the way.”
Australia traditional fast bowling trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have historically aimed to play complete home summers together.
This cycle may require a different approach.
“It’d be very surprising if the same three bowlers played in 21 of the Tests.”
Cummins suggested squad rotation and changing combinations are likely.
White ball cricket takes lower priority
To maximise his chances of surviving the Test schedule, Cummins acknowledged sacrifices will be required elsewhere.
White ball commitments are expected to become secondary.
A Big Bash League appearance this summer appears increasingly unlikely.
“It’s prioritising the Test matches and then outside of that, there won’t be too much,” Cummins explained.
He said future limited overs appearances may depend heavily on physical recovery between Test assignments.
The decision highlights how carefully Australia must manage player workloads during this period.
Hazlewood remains central despite injury concerns
Cummins also defended Josh Hazlewood ability to remain a regular Test contributor despite recent injury setbacks.
Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series because of hamstring and Achilles issues.
The experienced seamer has appeared in only 10 of Australia previous 20 Test matches.
Even so, Cummins believes the fast bowler can still return to consistent availability.
“The hardest thing for someone like Josh is actually getting up and going again,” Cummins said.
He pointed to Hazlewood recent return during Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL title run as a positive sign.
Australia depth has improved considerably in recent years.
Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, and Brendan Doggett all provided cover during recent injury periods.
That depth could become increasingly important as Australia navigates the demanding schedule.
Managing cricket biggest challenge
Fast bowling workloads remain one of cricket most difficult balancing acts.
Australia upcoming calendar creates challenges not only for players but also selectors and medical staff.
Cummins remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
However, even he admits completing the entire journey without interruptions would be unusual.
Australia next year may ultimately become a test of endurance as much as skill.