Overview
- Pat Cummins said several Australia Test players have declined entry to The Hundred to stay available for two home Tests against Bangladesh in August, turning down offers he pegged at about £500,000 for roughly 20 days of work.
- The scheduling conflict pits Australia’s August Test series against The Hundred, a 100‑ball competition in England, creating a direct choice between national duty and short, high‑pay franchise deals.
- Cummins cautioned that today’s loyalty may not hold, calling the club‑versus‑country squeeze a growing tension point that will shape how long top players keep prioritizing Tests.
- He signaled Cricket Australia is considering longer contracts and more flexibility to retain talent, noting his own central deal is near AU$3 million while short stints in global leagues can pay more for those outside top contracts, as seen with freelancers like Tim David.
- Preparing for IPL 2026 in India as he manages a lumbar issue, Cummins said he aims to play later in the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have added England seamer David Payne as injury cover and welcomed fit-again Eshan Malinga alongside Brydon Carse.