Australia will miss skipper Pat Cummins during their next limited-overs commitments against New Zealand and India, following scans that show evidence of lumbar bone stress in his back. Cricket Australia has confirmed there is no fracture but the fast bowler needs a spell of rest and cautious management, keeping him out of action through October and November.
Injury Discovered During Regular Checks
The back problem surfaced during medical examinations after Australia’s World Test Championship Final and West Indies tour earlier this year. While the scans eliminated the possibility of a serious break, the extent of the bone stress was sufficient to necessitate an extended recovery program.
Heavy Workload Under Leadership
Since becoming captain in November 2021, Cummins has had a heavy Test load. He has only missed two Tests with injury since then, guiding Australia to a WTC victory, an Ashes win in England, and an ODI World Cup title.
During the recent tours of the Caribbean and England, the 32-year-old bowled more than 95 overs in four Tests, subsequently complaining of back soreness.
History of Back Troubles
While Cummins established a reputation for durability more recently, in his formative years his career was hindered by recurring stress fractures that kept him from Test return after the flash of 2011. Since his full return in 2017, though, he has been an almost permanent resident, playing in 19 of Australia’s last 20 Ashes Tests.
Possible Replacements
If Cummins is unable to recover in time for the Ashes opener against Perth this November, Scott Boland is likely to join the pace attack. Vice-captain Steve Smith will lead the team if Cummins is not available, mimicking the role he played when the team toured Sri Lanka last year.
