In a significant blow to Australia's Ashes campaign, captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins will be sidelined for the final two Tests of the series against England. The decision, taken by Cricket Australia's medical team, prioritises the long-term fitness of the star player over short-term gains in a series already decided.
Medical Team Advises Caution for Cummins
The call to rest Pat Cummins stems from a recurring hip injury that has been carefully managed throughout the demanding tour. Team medical staff, led by Dr. Alex Kountouris, conducted thorough assessments following the conclusion of the third Test. They concluded that the risk of aggravating the injury, potentially leading to a long layoff, was too great.
"Pat has been playing through discomfort for a while, managing it superbly," a team spokesperson explained. "However, with the Ashes result secured, the medical advice is clear that continuing in the final two Tests presents an unacceptable risk. Our focus is on his long-term career and well-being."
Leadership and Bowling Duties Passed On
In Cummins' absence, vice-captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy for the fourth and fifth Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively. This marks a return to the leadership role for Smith, who served as Australia's captain previously.
The bigger challenge will be filling the void left by Cummins' bowling. The pace attack is expected to be reshuffled, with Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson strong contenders to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI. All-rounder Cameron Green's role as a supporting seamer will also become more critical.
Cloud Over T20 World Cup 2026 Participation
Perhaps the most startling revelation from this development is the implication for Cummins' white-ball future. Team sources indicate that the management of his workload is now being planned with a focus on Test and ODI cricket, casting serious doubt on his availability for the next ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
This strategic shift suggests Cricket Australia may be looking to extend Cummins' career in the longer formats by relieving him of the physical demands of T20 internationals. His last T20I appearance was during the 2024 World Cup, and he has not featured in the format since.
What This Means for Australian Cricket
The decision underscores a modern, data-driven approach to player management. While fans in Melbourne and Sydney will be disappointed not to see their captain in action, the move is designed to protect a vital asset. Pat Cummins remains the cornerstone of Australia's Test and ODI bowling attacks, and safeguarding his fitness for major campaigns like the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup is deemed a higher priority.
This episode also accelerates the leadership grooming process under Steve Smith and opens the door for the next generation of Australian fast bowlers to stake their claim on the international stage during high-profile Ashes contests.
