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In a strange move from Cricket Australia, the star pacer from the side, Pat Cummins, is nowhere in the Australian squad for India and New Zealand. Even though the squad is not announced yet, CA has confirmed that they won't risk their prime bowler in a white-ball series right before the Ashes. 

 

Notably, Pat is suffering from a level of lumbar bone stress, the main reason for his unavailability for the white ball selection. While the injury is not exactly what a stress fracture defines, its frequent arrival has been a major issue.

 

The statement released by Cricket Australia says,

 

"Cummins won't be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India or New Zealand and will continue his rehabilitation plan, with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation."

 

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What has happened to Pat Cummins?

 

The decision to withdraw Cummins comes after a demanding winter where he bowled more than 95 overs across four Tests in England and the Caribbean.

 

Back issues are not new for Cummins, whose early years were plagued by stress fractures. However, he has outgrown that and since he returned in 2017, he has missed only two Tests through injury since taking over as captain nearly four years ago.

 

However, the workload exceeded during a busy  winter where he bowled more than 95 overs across four Tests in England and the Caribbean. He even skipped white-ball tours recently to manage his workload and prepare for the season.

 

Notably, Cummins has an exceptional Ashes record, playing 19 of the last 20 Tests against England. Featuring in all five matches this summer would be a huge achievement.

 

Well,  no-Pat Cummins' Australia will still be a tough opposition with Scott Boland warming the bench. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has announced his T20I retirement to focus on the Ashes and the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the ODI series against India will be commencing in October this year. With all the Aussie bowlers in their mid- to late 30s, they are one of the oldest Australian bowling troops on their home turf.

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