(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Australia Confident Pat Cummins Will Be Fit for Ashes Despite Back Issue
Australia remain confident that captain Pat Cummins will be ready for the 2025 Ashes after being ruled out of upcoming series against New Zealand and India due to a back complaint.
The 32-year-old fast bowler has been managing lumbar bone stress since July and was rested from recent white-ball tours of the West Indies and South Africa. Cricket Australia confirmed that Cummins will miss the matches starting October 1 but is expected to recover in time for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.
Selector George Bailey expressed optimism, noting Cummins’ experience and skill would allow him to lead the team even without recent match practice.
Cummins has been a key figure for Australia in recent Ashes series, taking 18 wickets in England (2023) and 21 wickets in the 2021-22 home series, helping secure strong results for the side.
Australia will hope their skipper is fully fit as they prepare to defend the Ashes later this year.