Cummins recalled after six years, Siddle sceptic

Fast bowler Pat Cummins will make his return to Test cricket for the first time in more than five years after being named as Mitchell Starc’s replacement in the Australian side for the final two Tests .

Cricket Australia said on Saturday that the 23-year-old Cummins would replace Starc, who was forced to return home after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot.

Cummins was named player of the match in his Test debut against South Africa at the Wanderers in November 2011, claiming match figures of 7-117. He was just 18 back then. But he has not played a Test since due to stress fractures in his back.

Cummins returned to Sheffield Shield domestic cricket for the first time since March 2011 this week, when he played for New South Wales in their win over South Australia. He bowled with pace and accuracy to take 8-104 and also contributed 42 with the bat.

“Pat has impressed in his return to cricket this summer with consistent performances in his ODI, Twenty20 International and Big Bash matches,” said chief selector Trevor Hohns.

Injured paceman Peter Siddle indicated it would be a risk summoning Cummins or James Pattinson. “There’s not a lot of cricket this winter, so if anything does go wrong there’s not much missed,” Siddle told Fox Sports. “But if it’s a big injury then it’s a lot to take in. Jimmy and Patty have played a fair bit of cricket now, just not as much as they would have liked to probably be comfortable to go over there and perform.

“They are probably not at the point where they’re ready for Test level.”