'Growing' Cummins says body still 'fit enough' to withstand Test cricket 'rigours'

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has said that his growing frame is still fit enough to handle the rigours of Test cricket despite his three consecutive injury breakdowns.

Although Cummins hit world cricket two years ago with a bang, ripping through South Africa with match figures of 7/117 to clinch a famous two-wicket win in his Test debut, his repeated injury problems have put major doubts on his future as a regular Test fixture.

According to News.com.au, the New South Wales player was on course to play in the upcoming Ashes series, only to have his dream shattered by stress fractures in his lower back during Australia A's tour of South Africa in August.

However, Cummins, who has sought the counsel of pace legend Dennis Lillee as Lillee himself fought back from lower-back problems, insisted that he will not be a one-Test wonder, adding that even though he loves short-form cricket, Test cricket is the ultimate for him and he is still able to handle it.

Cummins, who has managed just six first-class games since his debut for the Blues in March 2011, further said that the camaraderie around a Baggy Green game is the most special and enjoyable thing for him, adding that he doers not think that he is more injury-prone than any other young bowler.

Hailing Lillee and Cricket Australia (CA) for giving him confidence, Cummins said that such mentorship keeps him motivated, adding that although he is aware that there would be setbacks at his age, he hopes that he would be setting a good foundation for himself in the future.