Adelaide, Sept 2: Australia’s preparations for the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series have suffered a major setback, with star fast bowler and captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Monday that Cummins will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program after scans revealed a stress-related injury in his lower back.The news comes just three months before Australia is set to face England in the five-Test Ashes series, scheduled to begin in Brisbane in December. Cummins, widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in modern cricket, has been the cornerstone of Australia’s bowling attack and a key leader since taking over the captaincy in 2021.
CA’s medical team is expected to take a cautious approach to ensure Cummins’ long-term fitness, especially given his previous history of stress fractures early in his career. The 32-year-old pacer has been a consistent performer, shouldering heavy bowling workloads across formats over the past few years, including the recently concluded tours of India and the West Indies.
“Pat has been carrying some discomfort in his lower back, and after precautionary scans, we’ve decided to manage his workload carefully,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said. “Our priority is his full recovery and availability for future international commitments, but it’s too early to confirm his participation in the Ashes.”
Cummins’ injury has raised concerns about Australia’s bowling depth ahead of the marquee series. While Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood remain key options, selectors may look to younger talents like Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett to step up. Former captain Steve Smith, who has led the team in Cummins’ absence in the past, is a likely candidate to captain the side if Cummins is not fit for the start of the series.
Cricket analysts have stressed the significance of Cummins’ fitness to Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes on home soil.