Pat Cummins’s back stress injury has disrupted Australia’s preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, creating major uncertainty over his participation.
With the series set to begin on November 21 in Perth, there are growing doubts about whether Cummins will be fit to bowl in time.
Since making his Ashes debut in 2017–18, Cummins has been a consistent part of Australia’s Test lineup, missing only one match in four series — the 2021 Adelaide Test.
He has been crucial to Australia’s success, taking 91 wickets in England at an average of 24.10.
If Cummins is ruled out, the team will face tough decisions on how to adjust their bowling attack. Scott Boland is likely to be the first choice as a replacement, but the bigger concern will be managing veteran pacers Mitchell Starc, 35, and Josh Hazlewood, 34, throughout the five-match series.
All-rounder Cameron Green may also need to shoulder extra responsibility, though he is still regaining full bowling fitness after spinal surgery.
In Cummins’s absence, vice-captain Steve Smith could once again take over leadership duties, marking a notable change for the team, which has become accustomed to Cummins’s steady captaincy.
Cummins has acknowledged that the injury is persistent and that he needs to be careful with his recovery.
Cricket Australia has yet to make a final decision about his availability for the series.
Mitchell Starc, when asked about the situation, said he wasn’t fully up to date on Cummins’s condition but expressed confidence that his teammate would recover and return to full form soon.
