Pat Cummins to Miss Ashes Series Due to Back Injury

Australia's captain Pat Cummins will not participate in the ongoing Ashes series due to a back injury, confirmed by coach Andrew McDonald. The uncertainty surrounding his availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup adds to the team's challenges. Cummins, who recently showcased his skills in the third Test, is now replaced by Jhye Richardson. With Steve Smith stepping in as captain, the team aims to navigate this setback while hoping for Cummins' swift recovery. Read on for more details about his injury and the team's future plans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 12:34 IST

Pat Cummins' Absence from Ashes Series Confirmed

Australia's Ashes campaign will continue without captain Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a back injury. The selection committee and medical team are exercising caution, leaving uncertainty regarding his availability for the T20 World Cup scheduled for February. On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that Cummins would not participate in the fourth Test against England, as he had hinted after the Adelaide match. Andrew McDonald, Australia's head coach, later stated that Cummins' journey in this series has concluded after playing just one match.

Assessment of Cummins' Injury

Before announcing the T20 World Cup squad, McDonald mentioned that Cummins would undergo scans to evaluate his condition, describing his participation as 'quite uncertain' at this time. According to reports, McDonald stated, "His injury is fine. He will not play in the remaining matches of the series, and we discussed his return a while ago."

Risk Management and Future Prospects

He further explained that they were taking some risks, and those reporting on this matter would understand the associated risks of such changes. With the series already secured, the focus was on not putting Cummins at further risk, especially concerning his long-term injury, a sentiment that Cummins fully agrees with. Regarding Cummins' chances of participating in the T20 World Cup, McDonald remarked, "An assessment will be made. I believe there will be a check-up scan at some point, and we will have more information about his back condition... Looking ahead to the World Cup, I can't say whether he will play or not. The situation is uncertain for now, but we remain hopeful."

Cummins' Recent Performance and Team Changes

After the West Indies tour, Cummins was diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction, but following an intensive rehabilitation program, he performed impressively in the third Ashes Test against England, taking six wickets and leading Australia to an 82-run victory, clinching the series. Jhye Richardson has been included in the squad to replace Cummins and is a contender for the fourth Test. Richardson last played in the 2021-22 Ashes series. In Cummins' absence, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy. Since the T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean and the USA in 2024, Cummins has not played any T20 international matches for Australia.