Cummins’ Ashes Ends Early as World Cup Plans Stay Unclear

Australia has drawn a firm line under Ashes plans for Pat Cummins. One Test was all he was ever going to play, and now, even the T20 World Cup sits under a cloud.

When the squad for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground dropped on Tuesday, Cummins’ absence came as no shock. Hours later, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed what many inside the camp already knew.

That single appearance, though, carried weight, and Cummins returned in the Adelaide test after months of uncertainty and delivered six wickets. Australia sealed the series, and their objective was met.

One Test, One Clear Message

Cummins’ road back began after he was diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction following the West Indies tour. The rehab was intense and the margin for error was thin for him.

McDonald explained that the decision had been mapped out well in advance. Australia accepted some risk to get Cummins back for one moment, not five matches. 

Medical staff stayed closely involved, and any setback would have ended the comeback instantly. Cummins pulled up well, but that did not change the plan, while protecting his long-term future outweighed any short-term gain.

Inside the camp, there was quiet satisfaction, as the process and timing both worked for Australia. Pushing further would have crossed a line nobody wanted to approach.

World Cup Questions Still Hanging

Attention now shifts to February and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and McDonald admitted the picture remains unclear. Further scans are expected, and detailed medical advice will follow. Only then will selectors decide if Cummins can handle another high-intensity tournament so soon after recovery.

Cummins has not played a T20 international since the last World Cup in 2024. Shortly after the upcoming edition, IPL 2026 begins, where he is set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad. The workload ahead is heavy, and for now, Australia is resisting temptation. 

Starc Carries the Load

While Cummins steps aside, Mitchell Starc keeps charging in. Starc has already driven Australia’s pace attack through the first two Tests and delivered the final blow in Adelaide. Three wickets on the last day ended England’s resistance, as he has made it clear he wants all five matches.

McDonald shook his head when asked how Starc keeps going, and the physio room tells its own story. Josh Hazlewood is out of the series, and Sean Abbott never made it to the start, and yet, Starc remains available, fast, and sharp.

Australia has added Jhye Richardson to the mix for the fourth Test after shoulder surgery. Depth is being tested, but not exhausted.

For Cummins, the focus shifts away from headlines and scorecards. The Ashes are in the bag, and the body comes next; everything else can wait.