Cummins hoping to return for T20 World Cup

Pat Cummins is hoping to make a stronger return

Australian speedster Pat Cummins remains positive about making a return to the national team squad in time for the 2016 T20 World Cup, despite suffering another stress fracture and facing a long time on the sidelines. The World Cup is scheduled to be held in India from 11 March to 3 April.

Cummins’ cricketing career growth has been hindered by severe injuries after playing his only test against South Africa in 2011 as an 18-year old. He had put in a man-of-the-match performance by scoring the winning runs and taking seven wickets, which included AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis.

“It's a long time ago," he spoke of his sole Test appearance. "I'm a totally different person, bowler and cricketer from what I was back then.”

Speaking to reporters, Cummins was confident that he would come back stronger. "I'm not really worried now, compared to a couple of years ago," he said. "The fact I was able to come back after bowling a heavy schedule over two years, and to have it culminate in a really successful one day international series at the back end of it means I'm not worried at all.“

"I know I can do it. While we haven't set out a rehab plan yet, and things will obviously be dictated by my recovery, the Twenty20 World Championship in India early next year has been targeted as a goal for me to try and return for.“

"I will be doing all of my rehab sessions with that tournament in mind.”

On being asked whether this injury lay-off would restrict him from bowling at speeds of above 150 kph, Cummins was certain that he would be able to continue to bowl as fast as he possibly could.

"Certainly not, especially when you're playing for your country and the batsman is trying to smash you around," Cummins said. "In short-form formats you have to bowl flat out because you only have a couple of overs to have an impact. Why would you bowl 140 kph when you can hit 155?"

Craig McDermott, Australia’s bowling coach, strongly believes that Cummins will have a long international career and will come back a better bowler after his rehabilitation.

"I don't think he'll have any problems whatsoever dealing with this. He's very mature, very meticulous with his preparation, and he'll be back bigger and better than ever,” McDermott said.

A marketing student, Pat Cummins will be hoping to re-brand and re-launch himself into the international cricketing scene at the earliest and get that much awaited second Test he desires.

“I really, really hope I can get back and get a second Test one day,“ he said.