'Hopefully that plays into our hands...': Harry Brook shares his take on Pat Cummins' fitness issues ahead of The Ashes

England vice-captain Harry Brook feels that if Pat Cummins gets ruled out of the Ashes opener in Perth, then the match may play into his side's hands. This statement comes after the Australia skipper still hasn't fully recovered from a back injury and there are big question marks over his participation in the upcoming Ashes series.

It will be a big blow for Australia if Cummins even ends up missing a single match during the series as not only is he their captain captain, but is also arguably their best bowler in the format. On the other hand, with England's record in Australia being nothing short of poor especially in recent years, they will be relieved about not facing Cummins in the opening match.

ALSO READ: 'Was looking forward to a lot more...': Sai Sudharsan left gutted after missing out on maiden Test hundred

"He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace, with high skill. With him out of their side for the first game, from what we've seen, hopefully that plays into our hands… [But] we can't take anybody lightly," Brook said at Thursday night's PCA awards ceremony.

Brook still not over Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

This will be Brook's first Ashes series in Australia and this can certainly lead to him feeling a lot of pressure. However, even though the assignment is right around the corner, the England batter revealed that he is still not over the series against India. The Three Lions certainly weren't satisfied by drawing their series against the Men in Blue at home by 2-2 especially because they were awfully close to winning the final match, but eventually lost it by just six runs.

"I don't know what I'm stepping into. I know it's a massive thing, but I'm still trying to get over that India series. That was awesome to be part of: to play 25 days out of 25 was mega. That was the most intense series I've ever been part of. If the Ashes tops that, I will be a very happy man," Brook stated.

When will The Ashes begin?

Meanwhile, the first Ashes Test is set to commence from November 21. England have already announced their squad for the crucial assignment while Australia are yet to do so. It remains to be seen if Cummins will be able to feature in the series or not.

England's squad for The Ashes: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.