Pat Cummins ruled out of white-ball series against india and New Zealand?

by IANS |

Melbourne, Sep 2 Australia Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins has been sidelined from the upcoming white-ball series against India and New Zealand due to a lower back injury. Cricket Australia confirmed that his rehabilitation is being carefully managed with a focus on ensuring full fitness ahead of the Ashes.

Australia are set to play New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting October 1, followed by a home series against India featuring three ODIs from October 19 to 25, and five T20Is from October 29 to November 8. The highly anticipated Ashes campaign at home will kick off against England in Perth on November 21.

"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," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Cummins hasn’t featured in any match since the Test series in the Caribbean, where his bowling workload was notably reduced. He subsequently sat out the five-match T20I series against the West Indies and the following fixtures against South Africa - a strategic decision aimed at giving him a 10-week conditioning period ahead of the Australian Test summer, similar to his preparation last year.

If Cummins fails to regain full fitness before the Ashes opener in Perth, selectors are likely to turn to Scott Boland to bolster the attack. Vice-captain Steve Smith would assume the leadership role, having previously stepped in during the Sri Lanka series. Australia will be hoping their skipper recovers in time, with his presence seen as pivotal to their chances of retaining the Ashes on home soil.If Cummins fails to regain full fitness before the Ashes opener in Perth, selectors are likely to turn to Scott Boland to bolster the attack. Vice-captain Steve Smith would assume the leadership role, having previously stepped in during the Sri Lanka series. Australia will be hoping their skipper recovers in time, with his presence seen as pivotal to their chances of retaining the Ashes on home soil.