Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss matches during The Ashes this summer
Share this @internewscast.com

Pat Cummins faces a nerve-wracking lead-up to the summer after updated scans unveiled a concerning back problem ahead of the major Ashes series against England.

A check-up that was initially routine has uncovered the back issue, prompting Cricket Australia to take precautionary measures with the Test captain and key fast bowler.

Medical checks undertaken this week are expected to confirm signs of stress that will require careful management.

He will sit out the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand, and there is also a possibility that Cummins may be unavailable for the one-day internationals scheduled against India in October.

And there are real fears he could also miss matches during The Ashes, which will be played across five gruelling Tests. 

While officials insist there is no cause for panic, selectors are bracing for the possibility he won’t play every Test.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss matches during The Ashes this summer

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss matches during The Ashes this summer

It comes after a routine scan revealed a troublesome back complaint that will need to be addressed

It comes after a routine scan revealed a troublesome back complaint that will need to be addressed

Cummins has already been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand

Cummins has already been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand

The Ashes, beginning in late November, remains the priority, and every effort will be made to have him available.

Cummins could still feature prominently, though his workload may need to be carefully rationed.

That scenario would put Steve Smith in line to deputise as captain if Cummins requires a break.

Smith has previously stepped in with success, and leadership continuity would be critical during the high-pressure Ashes series.

For Cummins, the timing is cruel given the resilience he has shown since his early-career struggles.

Between his 2011 debut and his second Test in 2017, repeated injuries kept him sidelined for nearly six years.

Since then, his body has held up superbly, allowing him to play extended stretches of cricket with minimal interruptions.

He carried the pace attack through all five Tests against India last summer and was ever-present during the winter tours.

Scott Boland will be on standby for Cummins and the other fast bowlers during The Ashes

Scott Boland will be on standby for Cummins and the other fast bowlers during The Ashes

Aussie fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said individual preparation was the best shot for the pace attack

Aussie fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said individual preparation was the best shot for the pace attack

Aside from minor ankle maintenance earlier this year, Cummins has rarely missed time due to physical setbacks.

That record makes news of a potential back issue particularly concerning for team management and supporters alike.

Australia is optimistic he will still line up in Brisbane for the Ashes opener, but nothing is guaranteed.

If he is forced to miss time, greater responsibility will fall on Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland.

The trio already carry heavy workloads, and selectors know they cannot risk overextending them across five grueling Tests.

Depth remains a pressing concern, with Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson unavailable and Jhye Richardson sidelined at the start.

This leaves the likes of Michael Neser, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, and Brendan Doggett as potential emergency options.

Such names have quality, but lack the big-stage experience that the Ashes demands.

On Thursday, Hazlewood confirmed bowlers would be following customised preparation plans leading into the summer.

‘The Test players will likely play two or three Shield games. Everyone is on different training regimens, but I found it really beneficial last year,’ said Hazlewood.

‘Getting time on the field and bowling multiple spells in a day is something you just can’t replicate in training.

‘Over the past year, I discovered the best strategy was to keep going, stay active, and steer clear of long breaks from bowling. Maintaining match intensity for as long as possible is the best path forward.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Houthis storm UN building after Israel killed PM and other ministers

Houthis Invade UN Facility Following Israeli Attack on Prime Minister and Officials

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have stormed the headquarters of a United Nations agency…
Broadway arrests

Two People Taken into Custody Following Alleged Assault on Police Officer at Sydney Bar

Two men have been charged after allegedly attacking a police officer during…

Greta Thunberg Embarks on New Voyage to Protest Israel’s Naval Blockade on Gaza

Key Points Climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined a flotilla of aid…
Martin Place, Sydney.

Australians Could Gain an Additional $4,000 Annually with Proposed $93 Billion Tax Reform

Australian households could gain an extra $4000 annually in their savings accounts…

Neo-Nazi Group Attacks Individuals at First Nations Protest

Indigenous groups and politicians have condemned a violent neo-Nazi attack on a…

Rebels Report Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Strike

The prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi government and several other ministers were…
Police release video of three 'vehicles of interest' over missing Brisbane man

Police Share Footage of Three ‘Vehicles of Interest’ in Connection with Missing Brisbane Man

Police investigating the suspicious disappearance of Brisbane man Andrew Burow have released…

Criticism Arises Over $400 Million Nauru Deal for Deporting Former Detainees

The Greens and refugee advocates have expressed disapproval over a substantial agreement…

Police Shootings Lead to Warnings from Gun Lobby and Calls Against Public Complacency

Tim Quinn, the president of Gun Control Australia, states that while Australians…
'Proud to be racist': Neo-Nazi could face protest speech charges

“Neo-Nazi’s ‘Proud to Be Racist’ Speech May Lead to Protest-Related Charges”

A self-proclaimed neo-Nazi may face severe charges due to a hate-filled speech…
Teens in circle holding smart mobile phones - Multicultural young people using cellphones outside - Teenagers addicted to new technology concept

Online Age Verification Achievable but Not Universally Applicable

Online age verification can be conducted effectively; however, a “one-size-fits-all” solution does…
Image of lottery ticket with moving boxes.

Melbourne Resident Discovers $1 Million Winning Lotto Ticket While Searching for Passport

A Melbourne man has served as a reminder to never throw away…