<h2>Cummins Injury Threatens Ashes Campaign - Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>-Pat Cummins ruled out of white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to lumbar bone stress injury</p> <p>-Australian captain's Ashes participation in doubt as medical scans reveal concerning back issues requiring careful management</p> <p>-Cricket Australia confirms Cummins will undergo rehabilitation with return to bowling timeline dependent on Ashes preparation needs</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Australian Test captain Pat Cummins faces an injury battle that threatens his participation in this summer's highly anticipated Ashes series against England.</p> <p>The fast bowler will skip upcoming white-ball series against India and New Zealand in a bid to be fit to take his place in the first Test in Perth on November 21.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cummins Injury Concerns Mount Ahead of Ashes</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cricket Australia has confirmed that Pat Cummins will miss all upcoming white-ball fixtures against New Zealand and India as medical staff work to manage a concerning lower-back issue. The 32-year-old skipper experienced pain following his extensive workload during Australia's winter Test campaigns, bowling 95.1 overs across four matches in the UK and Caribbean.</p> <p>Medical scans have revealed "a level of lumbar bone stress" that requires immediate attention and careful management. While Cricket Australia has not classified the injury as a stress fracture, the diagnosis carries significant implications for Australia's Ashes defence planning.</p> <p>The injury represents a familiar concern for Cummins, who battled similar back problems during his early international career. This recurrence creates a substantial headache for Australia's coaching staff as they prepare for the marquee series against England.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Ashes Preparation Under Pressure</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cummins' rehabilitation timeline remains uncertain, with Cricket Australia stating that his "return to bowling will be determined as part of his Ashes preparation." The compressed nature of the upcoming Ashes series presents additional challenges, with five Tests scheduled across just seven weeks between November and January.</p> <p>The Australian captain has proven remarkably durable throughout his leadership tenure, missing only two Tests through injury since assuming the captaincy almost four years ago. His Ashes record particularly stands out, having participated in 19 of Australia's past 20 Tests against England, including complete series in 2017-18, 2019, and 2023.</p> <p>Should Cummins miss significant portions of the series, Australia possesses capable replacements. Scott Boland has emerged as a reliable fast-bowling option, while Steve Smith demonstrated his captaincy credentials during Australia's recent Sri Lankan tour.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Experience vs Youth Dilemma</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cummins' potential absence would force Australia to field one of their oldest-ever bowling attacks. With Josh Hazlewood (34), Mitchell Starc (35), Scott Boland (36), and Nathan Lyon approaching 38, the team would lack the experience and leadership that Cummins provides.</p> <p>The fast bowler's contributions extend beyond his bowling statistics. Since returning from injury in 2017, only Nathan Lyon has played more Tests for Australia than Cummins' impressive tally. His absence would represent a significant blow to Australia's Ashes aspirations.</p> <p>Australia’s fast bowling stocks are already depleted ahead of the summer, with injuries to Spencer Johnson, Jhye Richardson, and Lance Morris, with the latter having recent back surgery and ruled out for the summer, presenting numerous new problems and dilemmas for the selectors.&nbsp;</p> <p>Star all-rounder Cameron Green is also yet to resume bowling after returning to the fold as a batter only this year, following a summer off recovering from back surgery of his own.</p> <p>Cricket Australia's medical team faces a delicate balancing act, ensuring Cummins recovers sufficiently to contribute meaningfully to the Ashes campaign while avoiding long-term complications. The rehabilitation process will determine whether Australia's premier fast bowler can lead from the front when the series begins at Perth Stadium on November 21.</p> <p>The coming weeks will prove crucial as medical staff monitor Cummins' progress and establish realistic expectations for his Ashes participation. Australia's summer plans now hinge on their captain's recovery timeline and the management of his concerning back condition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/2026 Series Odds:</h2>