Cummins targets bowling return a month out from Ashes
Cummins will have very little running and zero bowling over the next few weeks © Getty
Pat Cummins hopes to resume bowling at least a month before the start of the Ashes on November 21 but admits there is still no fixed recovery timeline from his lumbar bone stress. The Australian captain, 32, has been dealing with back trouble since the Test series win in the Caribbean two months ago and has already been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball assignments against New Zealand and India.
Even in his downtime, Cummins remains intent on leading Australia into the marquee Ashes opener in Perth, even if it means going in without any Sheffield Shield match practice.
"I'd imagine (I'd want to be bowling) at minimum a month out, maybe six weeks," Cummins said at a sponsor event on Wednesday (September 10). "But I've not thought that deeply about it yet. It's still a bit of a wait and see. We've got plenty of time, so we'll map a way back when we get closer. At the moment for the next few weeks it's pretty light. Not much running and zero bowling."
Cummins' injury has renewed focus on Australia's fast-bowling depth. Josh Hazlewood has had his share of injury setbacks, while Scott Boland has filled in admirably. But the backup options are thinning: Lance Morris has undergone back surgery, youngsters Callum Vidler and Mahli Beardman are also sidelined, and Jhye Richardson's Ashes participation is uncertain following a shoulder dislocation.
Cummins, however, played down any alarm. "We feel really well placed. A lot of planning goes in. It's not just a month before, it's 12 months out," he said. "Someone like Jhye Richardson hopefully will be available for some of the summer.
"There's (Michael) Neser, Brendan Doggett was part of squads last year, Sean Abbott. So I'm really confident in our depth. Obviously there is a bit of Shield cricket and white-ball cricket before that to make sure everyone is up and raring to go."
BREAKING: Buffalo Bills DT Ed Oliver Ruled Out for Sunday's Game Against Jets, Injury Update Provided
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed on Friday. This decision, though disappointing for the Bills, was expected after Oliver was seen wearing a walking boot and missing practice on Thursday due to a left ankle injury. Reports also surfaced that Oliver was relying on a scooter to help him get around following the injury.
"Ed will be out this game. He got stepped on at practice on Wednesday, unfortunately," McDermott said during an appearance on WGR-550 on Friday morning. "We'll see where it goes into next week as far as his status goes."
The injury to Oliver, who was a key contributor in the Bills' 41-40 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, is a significant setback for the team. In that thrilling season opener, Oliver recorded six tackles, a sack, and played a pivotal role in forcing a crucial fumble on Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Oliver's performance was integral to the Bills' defense, helping secure a hard-fought victory in a game that saw both teams battle until the final whistle.
Oliver, 27, was drafted by the Bills as the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since joining the team, he has established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, with 28 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and 237 tackles in 93 games (84 starts). His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, particularly with his pass-rushing ability, has made him a cornerstone of Buffalo's defense. The Bills will now be without one of their top defensive playmakers as they face the Jets this weekend.
While McDermott did not provide a specific timeline for Oliver’s return, he made it clear that the team is focused on getting him back to full health. "We'll take it one day at a time," McDermott added. "Our main priority is making sure Ed gets the proper treatment and recovery so that when he’s ready, he can return at 100%."
The loss of Oliver will likely force the Bills to rely more heavily on their other defensive players, including veterans like Von Miller and Matt Milano, who will need to step up in Oliver’s absence. Additionally, Buffalo's defensive line depth will be tested, with players like DaQuan Jones and Tim Settle potentially seeing more playing time in the absence of one of the team's star defensive tackles.
Oliver’s absence also presents a challenge for the Bills as they prepare to face a Jets team that is eager to rebound after a tough loss. With a revamped roster and new additions, the Jets are poised to bring a tough challenge to Buffalo’s defense. However, the Bills have built a strong team that can overcome injuries like this one.
As for Oliver, he remains focused on his recovery. “It’s disappointing to miss this game, but I’m focused on recovering and getting back on the field as soon as possible,” Oliver said. “I’ll take it one day at a time and work hard to get back to full strength.”
The Bills are optimistic that Oliver’s recovery will progress well, and they’re hopeful that he will be back on the field soon, ready to continue his dominant play for the rest of the season. For now, the team must adjust without one of its key defensive pillars as they look to maintain momentum and build on their opening-week win.
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