Cummins Likely to Sit Out New Zealand T20Is Ahead of Ashes

SYDNEY: Pat Cummins, the Test captain for Australia, is expected to be absent from the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Cricket Australia is prioritizing his well-being as they prepare for the major Ashes series later this year.

Reports indicate that the 32-year-old, who also did not participate in the recent white-ball series against the West Indies and South Africa, is dealing with some back issues and will undergo scans as a precaution.

Cummins last played in July during the tour of the Caribbean, after which he started feeling discomfort. Cricket Australia has not yet released any official statements.

The decision to rest Cummins demonstrates their intention to ensure he is in top condition for the five-Test Ashes series, which is scheduled to commence in November in Perth. It is anticipated that he will return in October for the ODI series against India and participate in at least one Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales as preparation for the Ashes.

Cummins’ absence will pose a challenge for Australia during the three-match T20I tour of New Zealand, which is slated to commence on October 1. However, the selectors have confidence that resting their key player now will prove beneficial during the demanding home summer.

Pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood told the media on Thursday that each of the frontline Test bowlers will be on different preparation plans leading up to the Ashes.

“The Test players will participate in more than one Shield game, likely two or three, but everyone is following their own individualized programs,” Hazlewood stated.

Hazlewood highlighted the importance of spending time in match conditions.

“Being on the field and bowling multiple spells in a day is difficult to replicate in training. For me, the optimal approach is to maintain momentum by continuing to play and minimizing time away from bowling.”
Cummins is still a crucial player for the Australian cricket team in all formats. He distinguished himself at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, becoming the first bowler to record consecutive hat-tricks in T20 internationals against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

To date, Cummins has taken 66 wickets in 57 T20Is with an economy rate of 7.44.

Australia is set to play New Zealand in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch during the three-match T20I series.