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Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of white-ball action this year, leading up to the Ashes 2025. Cummins is struggling with lower back issues since the Caribbean tour. He was cleared of fracture after medical scans but ‘lumbar bone stress’ has ruled him out of the T20I series against New Zealand and the home white-ball series against India.
"Cummins was rested from recent T20 series against the West Indies and South Africa. Despite this planned de-load period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
"Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months. Cummins won't be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and will continue his rehabilitation plan with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation."
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Cummins’ absence is a big blow to Australia, especially for the ODI series against India which is likely to feature Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In addition, there is a question mark over fast-bowling all-rounder’s availability for the Ashes 2025-26 at home which begins on November 21 in Perth.
Cummins will miss preparing for the red-ball series against Ben Stokes-led England. It is yet to be seen whether he features in one of the Sheffield Shield games to get back his rhythm and also prove his fitness. New South Wales's fourth game in Sheffield Shield starts on November 10, just over a week ahead of the Ashes.
Plan B already in place if Cummins doesn’t play?
Meanwhile, Cameron Green has been rested for the T20I series against New Zealand. He can be asked to get back to bowling in Sheffield Shield action which begins on October 4. Australia will need pace-bowling all-rounders in the team if Cummins fails to regain full fitness before the opening Ashes Test. Another fast-bowling all-rounder option in the side is Beau Webster. In addition, Cummins’ absence will mean a golden chance for Scott Boland, who has often warmed the benches because of the consistent fast-bowling trio.
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