Pat Cummins Clears Air Over Playing 1st Ashes Test Against England: "Less Likely"
Pat Cummins has conceded he's a doubtful starter for Australia's Ashes series opener against England in Perth next month
Pat Cummins has conceded he's a doubtful starter for Australia's Ashes series opener against England in Perth next month. "I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," the pace bowler told domestic media Monday. "I've still got a bit of time." The Australia captain has been sidelined for three months with a back stress injury, and speculation has mounted in recent weeks that he'd miss at least the first test, and likely more, of the biggest test cricket series on the 2025 calendar. Cummins said he's back into physical training and "each session feels better and better.”
“We get into slight bowling prep I think next week," he said. "I'm probably a couple of weeks away before I actually put on this spikes and bowl on the turf."
The five-test series starts Nov. 21 in Perth, followed by a day-night test in Brisbane from Dec. 4 before the series moves to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
The 32-year-old Cummins has not bowled since Australia's 3-0 series sweep of the West Indies in the Caribbean in July.
“The immediate goal is to make sure I'm giving myself a chance to be right for as much of (the series) as possible,” Cummins said. “It's really too early to kind of make some big decisions.
“With these things, it's pretty hard to go from not bowling or anything at all to suddenly playing five tests. The first step is trying to give us a shot at being (fit), and then we'll work it out a bit closer.”
Cummins said he wasn't in serious pain and was trying to increase his workload.
“A few of the symptoms hung around for a little bit longer than I would have liked," he said, “but they're all gone now.”
If Cummins is ruled out, Scott Boland is likely to take his place in the pace attack that should include Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia's white ball squad is preparing for a series of one-day and Twenty20 internationals against India starting Oct. 19.
"Tage Thompson Fumbles Leadership Opportunity as Sabres Sink Deeper Into 0-3 Slump – Is He Ready to Lead?"
Tage Thompson, the Buffalo Sabres’ alternate captain, is under fire after his frustrating comments and lack of accountability regarding the team’s disastrous 0-3-0 start to the season. Following a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, Thompson appeared disengaged when asked about his team's poor performance. His dismissive attitude toward the mounting concerns surrounding the Sabres left many wondering if he’s truly ready to lead his team out of this season-opening slump.
"I get it, the start to the season isn’t where we want to be. But we can't keep looking back at the past, we’ve got to focus on what’s next. It's on all of us to step up and take responsibility. As a leader, it’s my job to make sure the guys know that we can’t settle for these losses. We’ve got to claw our way out of this, and it starts with holding ourselves accountable and pushing each other every day."
Despite these words, Thompson’s approach to the situation seemed less than proactive. In an earlier exchange with the press, he dismissively brushed off questions, saying, “I'm tired of talking about the past and tired of talking about, well, we're in three games."
For 14 years, the Sabres have been mired in an embarrassing playoff drought, the longest in NHL history. Instead of confronting the issues head-on, Thompson, like many Sabres players before him, brushed off the seriousness of the situation.
Fans have heard this tired, cookie-cutter rhetoric far too many times. The "it's just one game" mentality has failed the team season after season, and it’s clear that the same old excuses won't fix the underlying issues. It’s time for a new breed of leadership in Buffalo — one where every loss doesn’t simply roll off the shoulders but instead sparks meaningful conversations about the real problems the team faces.
The question now is whether Tage Thompson is capable of rising to that challenge. He’s 27 years old, a player with undeniable talent and a booming voice that commands attention, but so far, his leadership has fallen short. Unlike Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, who is unafraid to voice his frustrations after poor performances —
Buffalo’s young roster, which has consistently ranked among the NHL’s least experienced, has left Thompson without a veteran mentor to guide him through the complexities of leadership. But at this stage of his career, especially with a spot on Team USA's 2026 Winter Olympics team potentially on the line, Thompson can no longer afford to shy away from these challenges. Leading the Sabres out of this early-season mess is a crucial next step in his development.
The statistics speak for themselves: the Sabres have scored just two goals in their first three games, and their power play is an abysmal 0 for 11. For the third straight season, they’ve struggled to establish any offensive presence, and it’s clear that these aren’t problems that will magically fix themselves. To break the cycle, Thompson needs to step up, take ownership, and lead his teammates — not just by example but through direct confrontation when necessary.
Thompson’s reluctance to speak out isn’t just a matter of keeping morale high. His comments about negativity breeding negativity suggest that he’s shying away from the uncomfortable but necessary task of holding teammates accountable. A strong leader in the locker room needs to have difficult conversations, calling out players who aren’t pulling their weight and holding himself accountable as well. Until that happens, Buffalo’s inconsistent play will persist, making a playoff push almost impossible.
Tage Thompson is undeniably capable of filling the leadership void for the Sabres, but will he embrace the responsibility that comes with it? The time for passive, wishful thinking is over. Thompson’s next steps could define the rest of his career — both as a player and as a leader. If he wants to be considered among the greats and earn a spot on Team USA, it’s time to step up and demand more from himself and his teammates.
Buffalo’s future depends on it.
