Melbourne: Australia’s Test captain and leading pacer Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to a lower-back issue. Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that his recovery is being managed with the Ashes in focus.
Australia are scheduled to play New Zealand in three T20Is from October 1, followed by three ODIs (October 19–25) and five T20Is (October 29–November 8) against India. The home Ashes series against England begins in Perth on November 21.
“Cummins won’t be considered for the limited-overs series against India or New Zealand. He will continue his rehabilitation, with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation,” CA said in a statement.
The 32-year-old bowled more than 95 overs across four Tests in the UK and Caribbean earlier this year before developing back pain. Scans revealed “lumbar bone stress” that requires ongoing management.
This setback revives concerns from his early career, when similar back issues sidelined him, especially with the demanding Ashes schedule of five Tests in seven weeks looming.
