Australia’s Test and ODI cricket captain, Pat Cummins, will miss the upcoming limited-overs series against India and New Zealand due to a lower back injury. Cricket Australia confirmed that Cummins is under careful medical care, with a goal to ensure he is fully fit for the upcoming Ashes series.
Australia is preparing for a busy cricket schedule. They will start with a three-match T20I series against New Zealand from October 1. After that, they will face India at home in three ODIs from October 19 to 25, followed by five T20Is from October 29 to November 8. The most anticipated event is the Ashes series, starting in Perth on November 21, where Australia will take on England at home.
Cricket Australia shared that Cummins won’t be part of the upcoming limited-overs matches. His focus is on recovery and gradually returning to bowling, with his comeback planned as part of his preparation for the Ashes.
The star fast bowler hasn’t played in any matches since the Test series in the Caribbean, where he had a reduced bowling workload. He then sat out the five-match T20I series against the West Indies and other fixtures against South Africa. These breaks were intentional, giving him a 10-week conditioning period to get ready for the summer Test season, similar to last year’s preparations.
Recently, Cummins started having back soreness after returning from the Caribbean. The discomfort lasted longer than expected. A routine scan on Monday showed signs of bone stress—sometimes called a hot spot—which can be a precursor to a stress fracture. Luckily, no fracture was found, and team medical staff are optimistic he will recover in time for the first Ashes Test.
Cricket Australia’s selector, George Bailey, explained that Cummins was meant to reduce his workload after the West Indies series. The back soreness and scan results showed some lumbar bone stress. However, Bailey reassured fans that Cummins’s primary focus remains the Ashes. With plenty of time still ahead, the team expects him to be ready for the crucial opening Test against England.
Overall, Australia is taking all necessary precautions to ensure Pat Cummins is back to full fitness and prepared for a successful Ashes campaign.
