Australian skipper Pat Cummins is facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Ashes series against England. The pace bowler is currently sidelined due to a lumbar bone stress injury, which has ruled him out of the white-ball tour of New Zealand and India in October. Cummins has not bowled competitively since the West Indies Test series in June-July. When speaking with the media, Cummins expressed his desire to captain Australia in the Ashes but acknowledged that a final decision would be made closer to the series. He has a history of back issues, including a significant setback in 2018. Cummins stated he would adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach. He is currently focusing on gym work to maintain fitness. The opening Ashes Test is scheduled to commence in Perth on November 21. Australia retained the urn in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw, while they dominated the 2021-22 home Ashes, winning 4-0, with Cummins leading the wicket-taking with 21 scalps at an average of 18.
