Cummins put on ice to freshen up for Test challenge
Australia talisman held back from Perth leg of T20 series against Pakistan to prepare for Test series against same opponents and New Zealand
"We've got so much cricket on, he (Cummins) plays a lot of it so when you get a little opportunity rather than taking the long flight to Perth he's going to stay here, recover and get prepared for the Test series," Australia coach Justin Langer said on Wednesday.
Cummins has played 31 matches (eight Tests, 16 ODIs and seven T20Is) across all formats for his country this year, including a grueling stretch in England this winter where he featured in all 10 of Australia's World Cup games and then five out of five Ashes Tests.
While he will not play in Perth, Cummins' next match is likely on Monday in Sydney when NSW host Western Australia in the Marsh Sheffield Shield.
The Australian Test squad is set to be named late next week before assembling in Brisbane on November 16 ahead of the first Test five days later.
While Cummins, Test cricket's No.1-ranked bowler, is a lock for the Gabba, the makeup of the Australia's top six is still up in the air.
A strong Australia A side will take on Pakistan in Perth in a three-day day-night match from next Monday in what looms as a selection shootout for top order spots, while a round of Shield matches will give the selectors plenty to think about ahead of the first Test.
Ashes Test players Travis Head (109 v NSW) and Matthew Wade (69 and 57no v Victoria) have put in impressive Shield performances in the past week, while young gun Cameron Green posted scores of 87no and 121no, his maiden first-class century, against Queensland.
Langer has been keeping a close eye on the domestic scene but wants to see his players make it impossible for him to not pick them.
"I'm hoping someone starts banging really hard on the door," Langer said.
Patient Head posts first ton of Shield summer
"Travis played well. I thought the way Matthew Wade played was excellent in winning the game for Tasmania.
"Cameron Green, can we slide him in the top four. He's got a very bright future. I watched him bat yesterday – I know how well he can bowl, he's a good young kid.
"I keep maintaining there is so much talent in Australian cricket we've just got make sure we get the combinations right and make sure we get the people that are ready to go for this Test series."
Gillette T20 INTLs v Pakistan
November 3: First T20I, SCG, No result
November 5: Second T20I, Manuka Oval, Australia won by seven wickets
November 8: Third T20I, Perth Stadium, 4.30pm (Fox & Kayo)
Domain Test Series v Pakistan
Warm-up match: v Australia A, November 11-13, Perth Stadium (d/n)
Warm-up match: v Cricket Australia XI, November 15-16, WACA Ground
First Test: November 21-25, Gabba (Seven, Fox & Kayo)
Second Test: November 29 – December 3, Adelaide (d/n) (Seven, Fox & Kayo)
https://www.cricket.com.au/news/pat...h-test-series-opener-justin-langer/2019-11-06
