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Skipper under the pump to be fit for Ashes
Luke Mathews • September 2nd, 2025 2:58 pm
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins is in a race against the clock to be fit for the Ashes with the 32-year-old currently battling an ongoing back issue.
Cummins recently underwent scans where hotspots were found in his back, although he was cleared of any fractures.
The injury has ruled the fast bowler out of three white ball series against New Zealand and India in October however is hopeful to be right for the first Ashes test on November 21.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning Cricket Australia said “Pat Cummins will miss the series as part of his ongoing management plan leading into the summer.
“Cummins was rested from recent T20 series against the West Indies and South Africa.
“Despite this planned de-load period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour.
“Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months.
“Cummins won’t be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and will continue his rehabilitation plan with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation.
Cummins has missed just one Test through injury since being made captain at the end of 2021 which came against the West Indies in 2022.
SEN’s Bharat Sundaresan said the injury was a reminder of just how durable the skipper has been over recent years.
“This is a reminder of how remarkable Pat Cummins body has been for so long," Sundaresan told Whateley on Tuesday Morning.
“Only Nathan Lyon has played more test matches since Pat Cummins made that comeback in 2017.
“When you have an aging bowling attack you have to keep you fingers crossed.
“It is amazing what these three and Scott Boland have been able to do.
“Suddenly with two and a half months left before the Ashes, no Cummins even if he misses that first Test could be a huge blow.”
The first Ashes Test kicks off at Optus Stadium on November 21.
