Australia captain Pat Cummins will not take part in the upcoming white-ball tours of India and New Zealand, with Cricket Australia confirming the decision as part of a workload management strategy aimed at preserving him for this summer's Ashes series.
MEDICAL SCANS REVEAL LOWER BACK CONCERN
Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Monday that Cummins, 32, is dealing with a "level of lumbar bone stress" identified through recent medical scans. While the condition has not progressed into a full stress fracture, the recurrence of a familiar back issue has prompted a cautious rehabilitation plan.
> "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," said CA in an official statement.
WORKLOAD FROM RECENT TEST SERIES TRIGGERS FLARE-UP
The decision follows a demanding winter campaign during which Cummins bowled over 95 overs across four Tests in England and the Caribbean. The intense workload is believed to have contributed to this latest setback.
Cummins had already missed Australia’s recent white-ball assignments in the West Indies and northern Australia, having been granted a planned break to focus on physical conditioning and a mini pre-season. That strategy proved effective ahead of the 2023 Test series against India but appears to have been interrupted by this latest injury concern.
A History of Back Issues Raises Alarm
Back issues have long been a challenge for Cummins, whose early career was plagued by stress fractures. Though he has since established himself as one of Australia’s most durable and reliable performers, this flare-up is particularly concerning given the tight schedule of the upcoming Ashes — five Tests crammed into seven weeks.
Since his return from a prolonged injury layoff in 2017, Cummins has only missed two Tests due to injury and has been a consistent presence in the Australian setup. He has featured in 19 of Australia's last 20 Ashes Tests, playing every match in the 2017–18, 2019, and 2023 series.
ASHES PREPARATION IS NOW THE PRIORITY
With the Ashes series looming, Australia's medical and coaching staff are prioritising Cummins' long-term availability. Managing his workload now is viewed as essential to ensuring he’s fully fit for the gruelling home summer ahead.
Should he return in time and play all five Ashes Tests, it would be a major physical achievement, especially in light of his current condition.
LEADERSHIP AND FAST BOWLING DEPTH
In Cummins’ absence, vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the side in white-ball matches if required. Meanwhile, Australia’s fast-bowling stocks remain strong, with Scott Boland a natural fit for home conditions and likely to step in.
However, Cummins’ unavailability for white-ball fixtures is still a significant blow, not only in terms of leadership but also for Australia’s bowling potency.
AGING PACE ATTACK FOR THE ASHES?
If all selected, Australia’s pace unit for the first Ashes Test in Perth could be one of the oldest ever fielded at home:
Josh Hazlewood (34)
Mitchell Starc (35)
Scott Boland (36)
Nathan Lyon, turning 38 in November
While experienced, this ageing attack will need to be carefully managed to withstand the intensity of a five-Test series over just seven weeks.
