Australian Test captain Pat Cummins will be carefully managed before the home Ashes series in November after scans showed stress in his lower back. Cricket Australia confirmed that the 32-year-old fast bowler needs more rehabilitation and will miss the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand in October and India from October to November.
The back issue was found during routine checks after the World Test Championship Final and the tour of the West Indies earlier this year. Although the scans did not show a fracture, the stress was serious enough to require a rest period.
Since becoming Australia’s Test captain in November 2021, Pat Cummins has carried a heavy workload. He has missed only two Tests due to injury and has led Australia to major successes, including the WTC title, retaining the Ashes in England, and winning the ODI World Cup in 2023. In the last two Ashes series, he played in nearly every Test and recently bowled 95.1 overs in four matches across England and the Caribbean, which put extra strain on his back.
Even though Pat Cummins has been one of Australia’s most reliable players in recent years, he has had long-standing back problems. Early in his career, repeated stress fractures slowed his progress after his impressive Test debut in 2011. He fully recovered in 2017 and has since been a key part of Australia’s bowling attack, missing only one of the last 20 Ashes Tests.
If Pat Cummins is not fully fit before the Ashes opener in Perth, Scott Boland may be called in to strengthen Australia’s bowling. Vice-captain Steve Smith would take over the captaincy, as he did during the Sri Lanka series. Australia is hoping Cummins recovers in time, as his presence is considered crucial for retaining the Ashes at home.
FAQ
Why is Pat Cummins missing the white-ball series?
Cummins has been diagnosed with lumbar bone stress in his back and requires rehabilitation before the Ashes.
Which series will he miss?
He will miss Australia’s white-ball series against New Zealand in October and India from October to November.
Has Cummins had back problems before?
Yes, he has a history of back injuries, including stress fractures early in his career, which have occasionally affected his playing.
Who will lead Australia if Cummins is unavailable for the Ashes?
Vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to take over the captaincy if Cummins is not fully fit.