Australia Captain Pat Cummins Faces Injury Doubt Ahead Ashes Series

Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins is facing a serious back injury that threatens his participation in the upcoming Ashes series against England, beginning in November. Scans have revealed a back problem requiring careful workload management, leading to his likely absence from the October T20 series against New Zealand and the ODI series against India. While officials maintain there is no immediate cause for panic, selectors are preparing for the possibility that Cummins may not play every Test in the Ashes, with Steve Smith expected to deputise as captain if needed. Cummins has a history of back injuries but has recently been a consistent presence in the team, making this setback particularly concerning. The injury places additional pressure on Australia's fast-bowling lineup, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and other bowlers needing to step up. Despite the challenges, Cricket Australia remains cautiously optimistic about Cummins' availability for parts of the Ashes series, prioritizing his long-term fitness and recovery.