Quarantine prep leaves quicks in great shape: Cummins

Quarantine had posed no issues for Australia’s Ashes preparations according to new Test captain Pat Cummins, who said the team’s fast bowlers would be equipped to play if the first Test “was in a couple of days”.

Speaking after an extended practice session at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, Cummins said ongoing 14-day requirements meant the squad spent longer together than they would have prior to COVID19.

“Today was a really good hit out, a centre wicket (practice session) and we were able to simulate match intensity pretty well,” he said.

“We had a big bowl, us bowlers, with two big spells, so if a Test match was in the next couple of days we’d be ready to go.”

The newly ordained 47^th Australian Test captain said preparations for the Gabba Test on December 8 weren’t dissimilar to those for the opening Test of last summer against India, where Australia bowled the tourists out for just 36 in Adelaide.

“You can be really specific. So I was able to go and bat and face our big bowlers for an hour. You don’t get that in Shield cricket or in the nets so it’s really good. We had a similar lead-in to Adelaide last year, us quick bowlers, where we just had centre wickets out in the middle for a week leading in and we felt great for the first Test.”

While persistent rain had made outdoor sessions difficult in the last week, clearer skies had greeted the players in recent days.

The full Australian Test squad will assemble on Tuesday in Brisbane when the returning players from the World Cup, as well as those who arrived from Melbourne and Sydney, are released from quarantine.

They will have just over a week together before the first Vodafone Ashes Test.

Cummins said his appointment as Test captain on Friday was yet to sink in.

“Probably not fully. I think until I walk out at the Gabba and see a big home crowd, pull on the Baggy Green and go out for the toss – that’s when it’ll probably hit me. It’s a bit of a weird feeling.”

He was surprised by the level of support after the captaincy announcement.

“You forget how many people have your phone number. I’ve had hundreds of messages, all really nice. It’s a great way to start, I feel like I’ve got a lot of support behind me. It’s been great, the squad here in quarantine – there’s about 20 of us – have been great for Steve and I.”

Vodafone Men's Ashes v England

Tour Matches

Nov 30 – Dec 3: England v England Lions, Brisbane

Dec 1-3: Australian intra-squad match, Brisbane

Dec 9-12: Australia A v England Lions, Brisbane

Tests

First Test: December 8-12, The Gabba

Second Test: December 16-20, Adelaide Oval

Third Test: December 26-30, MCG

Fourth Test: January 5-9, SCG

Fifth Test: January 14-18, Perth Stadium