Pat Cummins Injury Update – Aussie Skipper Doubtful For Ashes 2025-26, Steve Smith On Standby News24 –

With the Ashes 2025 series countdown starting, Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins is fighting against time. The ace pacer is said to be coping with a painful back injury, which has put his fitness for all five Tests against fierce rivals England in doubt.

The opening Test of the Ashes is set to start on November 21 in Brisbane, but Cummins’ recent fitness issues are set to throw a spanner into Australia’s build-up to the series. Medical scans have reportedly confirmed that the 32-year-old is suffering from a back problem that needs careful and tactical management in the coming weeks.

A Cautious Approach to Workload Management

While Cricket Australia remains yet to sound the alarm, the selectors are reported to be planning for the eventuality that Cummins is unavailable for the duration of the Ashes series. The injury is not being labeled as severe at this point, but the officials have taken a cautious approach considering the history of back issues that the fast bowler has.

Under this plan, Cummins will miss the T20I series against New Zealand, starting October 1, as well as the home ODI series against India not long after. These moves are being made in a bid to limit workload and provide the captain with sufficient time to rest up before the Ashes.

Whereas authorities maintain that there is no reason to panic, the selectors are preparing for the eventuality that he will not play all Tests,” the Daily Mail report continued.

A Longrunning Struggle Against Injuries

This is not the first time Cummins has struggled with physical injuries. While being described as one of the most consistent and dependable performers over the past few years, the back injury saga has dogged Cummins since the early stages of his career.

He debuted in Tests at the age of 18 years in 2011, but a string of stress fractures kept him away from the longest form of the game for almost six years. After making a successful comeback in 2017, he has become the fulcrum of Australia’s pace attack, topping the team with 309 wickets in 71 Tests, and leading them to a World Test Championship title in 2023 as their captain.

However, his workload continues to be a critical talking point, especially with the tight international calendar and increasing demand across formats.

Lessons in Managing Pace Spearheads

Australia can take cues from India’s handling of Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, yet another world-class pace bowler, has also experienced his share of injury woes because of overwork. For the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, he featured in all five Tests but ultimately wore down in the last game, affecting India’s performance during the final stages of the series.

The same diligence is also probable with Cummins, who has already missed white-ball games against West Indies and South Africa earlier this year after the WTC Final and a three-Test tour of the Caribbean.

Steve Smith on Standby

If Cummins is not available for any of the Ashes Tests, then Steve Smith is likely to replace him as captain – someone who has done it before with success and experience. Smith’s captaincy in conjunction with the experienced pace attack of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon provides a cushion for Australia if Cummins is rested for the series.

Hazlewood, in speaking recently, highlighted the need for match rhythm and indicated that numerous Test players will appear in the Sheffield Shield prior to the Ashes to hone their form and fitness.

The Road Ahead

With under three months remaining, all attention will be focused on Cummins’ rehab progress. Australia’s management will be hoping that timely treatment and rest will see their captain available for at least most- if not all – the Ashes matches.

Considering the stakes, and the prestige of the Ashes, losing their top fast bowler and captain could prove to be a major dent in Australia’s chances of retaining the urn. But with a rich bowling bench and seasoned leadership, the Aussies still continue to be serious contenders.

Until then, it’s wait-and-watch as cricket fans, selectors, and teammates wait and watch for Cummins to lead from the front on November 21.