Cummins back injury has Ashes spot in jeopardy

Skipper Pat Cummins is at serious risk of missing the Ashes after been diagnosed with lumbar bone stress—a stress injury in his lower back, commonly seen in fast bowlers—detected after scans confirmed persistent soreness following Australia’s three-match Test series win in the West Indies.

Cummins is facing a race against time to recover from a lumbar bone stress injury in time for the Ashes opener on 21 November. He’s sidelined from all limited-overs cricket but is undertaking a cautious yet determined rehab, opting to avoid match practice in favor of recuperation and targeted conditioning.

Scott Boland will replace Cummins if he is unfit, with Australian requiring a new skipper as well.

Aug 2025.