Australia captain Pat Cummins has been withdrawn from the upcoming white-ball series against India and New Zealand due to a flare-up of a lower-back issue. The setback raises concerns about his preparation for the highly anticipated Ashes series this summer.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Cummins, 32, would not feature in the ODIs and T20Is after medical scans revealed “a level of lumbar bone stress.” The issue is not considered a stress fracture, but the recurrence of this back concern has forced a cautious approach.
“Cummins won’t be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India or New Zealand and will continue his rehabilitation plan, with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation,” read CA’s statement.
Why Pat Cummins Was Withdrawn
The decision followed a demanding winter where Cummins bowled more than 95 overs across four Tests in England and the Caribbean. The heavy workload triggered the latest concern, prompting medical staff to prioritize his long-term fitness ahead of the Ashes.
Cummins had already missed Australia’s white-ball tours to the West Indies and northern Australia as part of a planned workload break. That strategy worked well before the 2023 home series against India, but this new setback has disrupted his preparation.
Back injuries are not new to Cummins, whose early career was hampered by repeated stress fractures. The concern is greater with five Ashes Tests scheduled in just seven weeks.
Cummins’ Ashes Importance
Since his return in 2017, Cummins has been Australia’s most consistent bowler, missing only two Tests due to injury. He has featured in 19 of Australia’s last 20 Ashes Tests, including all five in 2017-18, 2019, and 2023.
Australia still has depth in fast bowling. Scott Boland is a ready-made replacement, while Steve Smith could step in as captain if required. Yet Cummins’ absence from the bowling attack would remain a huge blow.
If selected, Australia’s first Ashes Test attack in Perth could feature Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon. With all over 34 years old, it could be among the oldest attacks Australia has ever fielded in a home Test.
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