Australia remain confident Pat Cummins will be fit for the Ashes, even though the captain has been ruled out of upcoming series against New Zealand and India with a back problem.
The 32-year-old fast bowler missed the recent white-ball matches against the West Indies and South Africa. He is still recovering from what Cricket Australia called “lumbar bone stress.” Cummins has struggled with the issue since July. The Ashes begin in November.
“Despite this planned (rest) period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour,” Cricket Australia said. “Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months.”
Cricket Australia did not give a return date. But chairman of selectors George Bailey said he expected Cummins to play in the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.
“It still feels like there’s plenty of time,” Bailey said. “Full expectation that Pat will be right to go come the first Test,” he told reporters.
He admitted Cummins might need to be picked without match practice.
“If it got to that stage… I still think that we’d be comfortable with Pat’s experience and skill level,” Bailey said.
Cummins will miss the white-ball games against New Zealand and India starting October 1.
Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after a 2-2 draw. Cummins took 18 wickets in that series, his second as captain.
In the 2021-22 Ashes at home, Australia swept England 4-0. Cummins was the top wicket-taker with 21 at an average of 18.
