[ad_1]
Australian captain Pat Cummins did not take the field when the West Indies run chase got underway at Perth Stadium on Saturday afternoon due to mild quad soreness.
The 28-year-old, who claimed 3/34 from 20.2 overs in the first innings of the series opener, was replaced by substitute fielder Scott Boland for the afternoon session of day four.
Watch the first Test between Australia and the West Indies LIVE and ad-break free during play on Fox Cricket, and stream on Kayo. Coverage starts 11.50am AEDT Wednesday >
“Cummins is experiencing some mild right sided quadricep soreness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Saturday.
“He will continue to be monitored by team medical staff and his availability to bowl in the second innings will be assessed on an ongoing basis.“
According to The Daily Telegraph, Cummins underwent an MRI scan on Friday evening.
Steve Smith, who captained Australia during last summer’s Ashes Test in Adelaide, led the side after the lunch break in Cummins’ absence.
It leaves the Australians without one of their strike bowlers as they hunt the 10 wickets required to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.
West Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will presumably take on a more prominent role with the ball in the second innings, while part-time spinners Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head may be required if Cummins does not return.
The second and final Test between Australia and the West Indies gets underway at Adelaide Oval on Thursday afternoon, in less than five days.
Workload management is expected to be crucial for Australia’s seamers this summer, and taking a cautious approach to Cummins’ niggle is understandable considering the short turnaround.
It is not clear whether Cummins is in doubt for the second Test.
Australia set the West Indies a target of 498 for victory on Saturday, with the hosts needing 10 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
NEW FOLLOW-ON PODCAST – Ultimate test series preview; summer of Smudge?
Listen below or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Get all the latest cricket news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
MORE CRICKET NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Cummins in elite company as Green stocks rise again
DAY 3 WRAP: Windies in shock collapse as Cummins snubs follow-on before late blow
PUNTER: Ponting rushed to hospital after health scare during day three of first Test
‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE’: Why a daunting Ashes reality is set to dawn on Aussies
‘PERFECT DELIVERY’: Deja vu as Cummins emulates Root peach to notch milestone
‘JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A HUG’: Priceless Smith comforts heartbroken star
LUCKLESS: Marsh suffers another injury blow as Test hopes take big hit
CA XI: Exiled Aussie star and 18yo freak set to push Test claims in big Proteas audition
[ad_2]
Source link
Discussion about this post