Back and forth: Pat Cummins bows out of India series, in doubt for Ashes

Australia captain Pat Cummins is in a race against time to be fit for the opening Ashes Test this November, after being sidelined with a lingering back issue that has ruled him out of the upcoming white-ball fixtures against India.

The fast-bowling spearhead will miss both the three-match ODI series against India and the T20 tour of New Zealand due to bone stress in his lower back, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday. Although scans have cleared Cummins of any fractures, the 32-year-old is undergoing a careful rehabilitation process, with his return to bowling yet to be scheduled.

Also read: Retirement season rolls on: Mitchell Starc steps away from T20Is

“Despite a planned de-load period, Pat has experienced persistent lower back pain following the West Indies Test series,” a CA spokesperson said. “Subsequent scans revealed a degree of lumbar bone stress that will need to be managed over the next few months. He will not be considered for the India series and his bowling return will be built into his Ashes preparation.”

Cummins had already been expected to miss the New Zealand T20 series but his absence from the India ODIs in October is a fresh blow to Australia’s planning ahead of their blockbuster five-Test home Ashes campaign, starting 21 November in Perth.

Despite this, while Cummins’ leadership and firepower would be sorely missed, Australia has depth to cover both roles. Veteran Steve Smith could again step into the captaincy, having previously taken the reins when Cummins was sidelined due to COVID protocols or personal reasons. Smith led in India last year when Cummins returned home following the death of his mother.

On the bowling front, Scott Boland looms as the likely inclusion. The Victorian paceman has impressed in his sporadic opportunities, most recently claiming a memorable hat-trick in the West Indies Test series.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has officially retired from T20 internationals, citing a desire to focus on his red-ball career. The left-arm quick finishes with 79 wickets from 65 T20Is, second only to Adam Zampa in Australia’s all-time tally.

In absence of Starc and Cummins, Australia has named a refreshed T20 squad for the New Zealand series, led by Mitchell Marsh. The 14-man group includes returning all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis, and Matt Short, who has recovered from a side strain. Mitch Owen is also back after a concussion scare in South Africa.

Also read: Last over magician batsman Asif Ali bids farewell to international cricket

AUSTRALIA T20 SQUAD VS NEW ZEALAND:

• Mitchell Marsh (c)
• Sean Abbott
• Xavier Bartlett
• Tim David
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Josh Hazlewood
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Matt Kuhnemann
• Glenn Maxwell
• Mitchell Owen
• Matthew Short
• Marcus Stoinis
• Adam Zampa

The T20 series begins on October 1 as Australia continues to fine-tune its squad ahead of the busy summer. However, all eyes remain on Cummins and whether the Test skipper will be ready to lead from the front when the Ashes battle begins.