Ashes 2025-26 Update: If Pat Cummins Misses Out, These 3 Speedsters Could Step In (Including Michael Neser)

Australia has suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming home Test series in the Ashes 2025-26 against England. Captain Pat Cummins is injured, dealing with a stress injury in his back, and his recovery might take longer than expected.

According to the latest Pat Cummins injury update, the 32-year-old fast bowler is almost certain to miss the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21 and could be unavailable for most or all of the Ashes 2025-26 series. Vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the Australia Test squad if Cummins remains unfit.

Cummins had already missed the recent T20I series in New Zealand and will also sit out the upcoming home white-ball series against India. Over the years, he has been Australia’s most valuable Test cricketer, taking 309 wickets at an average of 22.10 and guiding the team to two consecutive World Test Championship finals, winning one in 2023.

Australia still has strong fast-bowling depth for the England tour of Australia, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland almost certain to feature in the Ashes squad. Several other pace bowlers have also impressed in recent Sheffield Shield and domestic red-ball matches.

Here are three fast bowlers who could replace Pat Cummins in the Ashes 2025-26 if the Australian captain is ruled out of the series.

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1. Michael Neser

South African-born Michael Neser knows how to play in a home Ashes series. He debuted for Australia in the 2021 home Ashes. However, the 35-year-old has played only two red-ball games for Australia despite being in contention for a long time.

Michael Neser has been in outstanding form in domestic red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes 2025-26. The Queensland pacer took six wickets in his team’s Sheffield Shield 2025-26 opener against Tasmania.

In the previous 2024-25 season, Neser claimed 31 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 20.90, including two five-wicket hauls underlining his consistency in Australia’s first-class setup.

During the Australia A vs India A series, Michael Neser showcased his control and accuracy by dismissing key batters like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Devdutt Padikkal in a fiery spell of 4/27.

A reliable lower-order contributor, Neser’s ability with the bat also strengthens his case as a potential Pat Cummins replacement in the Australia Test squad. Across 114 first-class matches, the Australian all-rounder has taken 405 wickets at an average of 23.74 and scored valuable runs with a batting average of 28.54, making him a strong candidate for the Ashes 2025-26 series.

2. Henry Thornton

South Australia’s Henry Thornton has emerged as one of the promising fast bowlers in domestic cricket, strengthening his case for Ashes 2025-26 selection. The 28-year-old impressed for Australia A in their recent red-ball series against India A, showing his ability to generate pace and movement.

After missing the first match, Henry Thornton made an immediate impact in the second unofficial Test, taking four wickets in the first innings with figures of 4/36 in 10 overs. He also performed well during the home Australia A vs Sri Lanka A series in July, further showcasing his consistency.

In the Sheffield Shield 2024-25 season, Thornton picked up 17 wickets in just four games at an average of 23.33. A handy lower-order batter with a first-class average above 20, Thornton adds balance to the Australia Test squad and stands out as a strong Pat Cummins replacement option for the Ashes 2025-26 series.

3. Brendan Doggett

Queensland pacer Brendan Doggett, 31, has been in impressive form in domestic red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes 2025-26. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 177 wickets in 44 first-class matches at an average of 27.32, consistently performing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

During the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield season, Doggett was among the top Australian fast bowlers, claiming 33 wickets in seven matches at an average of 24.15, including four five-wicket hauls. His standout performances for Australia A in the red-ball series against England Lions and India A, where he picked up 4/50 and 6/16, respectively, highlighted his wicket-taking ability at crucial moments.

Brendan Doggett’s pace, control, and knack for delivering match-winning spells make him a strong contender to replace Pat Cummins in the Australia Test squad for the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Who could replace Pat Cummins in the Ashes 2025-26 series?
If Pat Cummins is ruled out due to his back injury, Australia has several strong fast-bowling options. Michael Neser, Henry Thornton, and Brendan Doggett are among the leading candidates who could step into the Test squad for the Ashes 2025-26 series against England.

2. What is the latest update on Pat Cummins’ injury?
Pat Cummins has sustained a stress injury in his back and is expected to miss the opening Ashes Test in Perth on November 21. Reports suggest his recovery could take longer, putting his participation in the Ashes 2025-26 series in serious doubt.

3. Why is Michael Neser a strong replacement for Pat Cummins?
Michael Neser has been in outstanding form in domestic red-ball cricket, taking six wickets in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield 2025-26 opener and performing well for Australia A against India A. His bowling consistency and lower-order batting make him a solid replacement option for Pat Cummins.

4. How has Henry Thornton performed in recent matches?
Henry Thornton has impressed in the Australia A vs India A and Sri Lanka A series, where he took key wickets and showed great control. He also claimed 17 wickets in the Sheffield Shield 2024-25 season at an average of 23.33, strengthening his case for Ashes 2025-26 selection.

5. Why is Brendan Doggett considered a contender for the Ashes 2025-26 squad?
Brendan Doggett’s consistent red-ball performances, including 33 wickets in the Sheffield Shield 2024-25 season and strong showings for Australia A against England Lions and India A, make him a prime candidate to join the Australia Test squad if Pat Cummins is unavailable for the Ashes 2025-26.