Australia Test captain Pat Cummins says he is doubtful for the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). After retaining the Ashes with an 82-run win at Adelaide Oval, Cummins is not willing to risk getting injured. While he hasn’t confirmed he will miss out on playing the Melbourne Test, a call will be taken close to the Boxing Day Test. However, had the series not been retained, Cummins would’ve risked it and played the fourth Test as well.
"I'm feeling really good, [but] as for the rest of the series we'll wait and see," Cummins said after the match. "We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it's the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it. Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job's done and let's reassess the risk.
"We'll work it out over the next couple of days, I doubt I'll be playing Melbourne, and then we'll have a chat about Sydney. But certainly before the series it was, while the series was live, let's take on the risk and have a crack at it, now it's done, I think we'll need to have a chat about it."
AUS may feature 3 changes if Cummins misses out
In addition to Cummins, Australia may feature a few more changes. If Cummins misses out, Steve Smith will return and take over the captaincy duties. Smith missed the third Test due to vertigo-like symptoms. Also, if Cummins is on sidelines, Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser will walk back into the side.
On Day 5 of the Adelaide Test, Nathan Lyon suffered a right hamstring injury. Lyon was taken to the hospital for scans. If Australia opt for an all place attack, Usman Khawaja may retain his place. Otherwise, Khawaja may lose his spot if they look for a like-for-like replacement for Lyon.
Cummins on his comeback
After missing the first two Ashes Test, Cummins made a comeback after several months. He said that all the hard work to get back into shape was worth it.
"The last two months have been a bit of a grind. [I gave] myself every chance, but it's all worth it when you get days like this, packed crowd and retaining the Ashes," the pace-bowling all-rounder said.