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Katich’s shock Ashes smokey after Cummins injury report
SEN • October 8th, 2025 4:57 pm
Simon Katich has run his eyes over Australia’s pace bowling stocks after the latest news surrounding Pat Cummins’ back injury.
While scans revealed that the captain’s lower back stress is healing, News Corp is reporting that it’s effectively impossible for him to line up for the first Test, given the preparation he’ll need with the first Test starting in just over six weeks.
With a likely spot opening up in the XI for that clash, Katich is adamant that Scott Boland is the first name in to replace the skipper as he continues in his role as Australia’s fourth paceman.
Behind Boland, Katich is looking at Queensland’s Michael Neser, who has often been next in line, while Victoria’s Fergus O’Neill has to be a chance after winning the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield player of the season.
“Look, Scott Boland, I think, is the first man in if Cummins doesn’t play,” Katich said on SEN Afternoons.
“I think there's no doubt about that, but it'll give it a great opportunity to some of these other young quicks around the country.
“I mean, you can't rule out Michael Neser, who's obviously been brilliant for Queensland.
“Then there’s the young Victorian Fergus O'Neill who had a very good time over in England earlier in the year for Notts, and obviously he's done well for the Vics over the last few years, he's only 24 and has big raps on him.”
Looking further into Australia’s pace depth, Katich named a real smokey that he thinks selectors could consider, South Australia’s Henry Thornton.
While the 28-year-old has only played seven First Class games, Katich thinks his similar style to Cummins could have him enter calculations if his form continues to grow.
“I reckon there might be a smokey as well, a young kid from New South Wales who is now in South Australia who has just played recently for Australia A, if that's any indicator of how the selectors might be thinking,” Katich explained.
“That’s Henry Thornton, he's 28 now, but he's still young in terms of being inexperienced.
“He’s only played seven first-class games, but he's a wicket-taker, and that's something they might be looking at because we know Pat Cummins cracks games open by taking wickets in bursts of two or three at a time.
“There are a few guys there that'll probably be trying to put their hand up in the next month, to be next cab off the rank, but I think Scott Boland comes first in if he misses that first Test.”
The first Test between Australia and England begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium. Catch every ball of the Ashes on SEN - your home of cricket.
