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September 2, 2025

Pat Cummins Faces Setback but Eyes November Ashes Return

Pat Cummins Faces Setback but Eyes November Ashes Return
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Pat Cummins will miss all white-ball cricket before the Ashes after scans showed bone stress in his lower back. The Australian captain, who has not bowled since the Caribbean tour, escaped a fracture, but his Ashes preparation is now uncertain.

He skipped the T20Is against West Indies and the ODIs against South Africa to prepare for the Test summer. But the back pain did not settle, and a routine scan found a hot spot that forced him out of action. Chair of selectors George Bailey said the focus remains on the Ashes and Cummins is expected to be fit for the first Test in Perth on November 21.

His absence from white-ball cricket leaves Australia without their leader in three upcoming series against New Zealand and India. Cummins’ overall workload this year has been significantly lower, with only 175.1 overs bowled in 2025 so far, compared to 400-plus in previous years. Management will have to carefully plan his bowling to prevent strain during the five-Test Ashes series.

Steven Smith is likely to captain if Cummins misses any Test, a role he has handled successfully in previous seasons. Australia also has fast-bowling replacements ready, including Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and the uncapped Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott. Allrounder Cameron Green is returning to bowling after back surgery and will play domestic matches to build fitness for the Ashes.

Even with this setback, Australians expect Cummins to recover in time for the Ashes. Fans are waiting to see if he can return fully fit and lead the pace attack once again.


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