If Cummins is ruled out of the series opener in Perth it could pave the way for former skipper Steve Smith to captain the side, while back-up quick Scott Boland would seem the most logical replacement for the fast bowler alongside regulars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
But McDonald is not giving up hope his skipper will be there to lead Australia, revealing Cummins’ prognosis had actually improved in recent times.
“There’s some positive signs speaking to Patty over the last few days. He’s a lot more optimistic. Those who have been through this type of injury (say) these things ebb and flow,” McDonald noted.
“A couple of weeks ago, did he think he was a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a little bit sore. Then you flip it forward two weeks and there’s a lot more positivity. We’ve still got a little bit to go.
“One of the benefits with Patty is that he has had the ability to prepare for Test matches off shortened preparations. So if it was to be shrunken down, we’d be very confident that he would still be able to perform in the first Test.
“But the reality is, we’re starting to get tight in terms of the times. We’re still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we’ll be in a position to get better gauge on where he’s at.”
