Cummins' Injury Clouds Australia's Ashes Dreams

Australia's hopes for a strong Ashes series are under threat as captain Pat Cummins combats a significant lower back problem. With no clear timeline for his return, Cummins has been ruled out of the imminent white-ball series against New Zealand and India, following back scans revealing lumbar bone stress.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Cummins' issues stem from a previous West Indies tour and will need careful management ahead of the five-test Ashes series against England starting this November. Despite not being classified as a stress fracture, this condition echoes past injuries that delayed his career.

Cummins' absence puts pressure on the team, although Scott Boland stands as an alternate, while Mitchell Starc's exit from T20 internationals reshuffles Australia's fast-bowling lineup ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies.)