Pat Cummins Injured, to Miss White-Ball Series Against New Zealand and India

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has suffered a fresh injury setback, ruling him out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand in October and India in October-November. Scans revealed signs of lumbar bone stress in his back, forcing him into a period of rest and rehabilitation.

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Routine Scans Revealed Issue

The injury was detected during routine assessments after Australia’s World Test Championship Final and the recent West Indies tour. While no fracture was found, Cricket Australia confirmed the stress levels were significant enough to require a cautious recovery approach.

Heavy Workload in Tests

Since taking over leadership in 2021, Cummins has carried a huge workload across formats. He has missed only two Tests due to injury, leading Australia to the WTC title, retaining the Ashes in England, and winning the ODI World Cup. In the recent UK and Caribbean Tests, he bowled over 95 overs, which led to back discomfort.

Long History of Back Problems

Back injuries are not new for Cummins. His early career was repeatedly interrupted by stress fractures after his 2011 debut. However, since his return in 2017, he has been Australia’s most reliable fast bowler, missing just one of the last 20 Ashes Tests. His fitness has been vital to Australia’s recent dominance.

Ashes Preparations Under Watch

With the home Ashes starting in November, Australia will carefully manage Cummins’ workload. If he doesn’t regain full fitness in time for the opener in Perth, Scott Boland is the likely replacement, while Steve Smith is expected to step in as captain once again.

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