Australia Captain Cummins Ruled Out ODI Series, Expected Fit for Ashes

Australia's Test captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the upcoming limited-overs series against India and New Zealand due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back, with Cricket Australia managing his rehabilitation to ensure full fitness for the Ashes series starting November 21 in Perth. Despite the injury setback, selectors and chairman George Bailey remain optimistic about Cummins' availability for the Ashes opener, emphasizing there is ample time for recovery and preparation, and that his return to bowling will be carefully balanced to avoid further issues. Cummins, who has missed only two Tests since becoming captain in 2021, was diagnosed with this injury after bowling fewer overs than usual during recent Test series, prompting his exclusion from white-ball games to focus on recovery. Meanwhile, fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals to concentrate on Test matches and the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the Australian squad for the T20 series against New Zealand reflecting these changes. Australia will face New Zealand in a three-match T20 series starting October 1, followed by India's tour with three ODIs and five T20 matches before the Ashes begin. The management sees Cummins' potential participation in the Sheffield Shield as optional, prioritizing his fitness for the demanding Test series against England.