The participation of Australian skipper Pat Cummins in the Ashes series is in doubt due to a back injury. The bowler hopes to play all five Tests against England. However, his involvement is contingent upon the recovery from his lumbar bone stress injury. The injury has already sidelined him from Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand and India in October. Cummins has been unable to bowl since the West Indies Test series. Cummins stated that a final decision on his availability will be made nearer to the series. He has previously dealt with back issues, notably in 2018. Cummins said that he is adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. He is currently focused on maintaining his fitness through gym work and will gradually increase his activity as the Ashes approach. The Ashes series is slated to begin in Perth on November 21. Australia last retained the urn in England in 2023 after the series ended in a draw. In the 2021-22 home series, Australia won 4-0, with Cummins leading the wicket-taking.
