In the wake of a thrilling Ashes showdown, the Australian squad faces a fresh setback on the injury front regarding Pat Cummins.
Emerging from the reports, it appears that the Australian captain is likely to sit out the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. This series, scheduled right before the impending World Cup, is set to take place next month.
The news arrives in the aftermath of Cummins' participation in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, a match that saw England emerge victorious by a narrow 49-run margin.
However, there seems to be a cloud of uncertainty around Pat Cummins' availability due to a suspected wrist fracture sustained during the mentioned Test match.
Although an official statement from Cricket Australia is still pending, insiders privy to the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have revealed that medical personnel have yet to rule out the possibility of a fracture.
The incident that led to this predicament occurred on Day 1 of the Oval Test, where Cummins bravely continued to soldier on despite the injury, delivering his skills with a wrist that was heavily bandaged.
At the outset, the injury did not appear overly severe, but subsequent developments have cast doubt on his immediate availability.
Also Read: Andy Flower announced as new RCB head coach
Having been actively engaged in a series of six Tests, including the World Test Championship final against India, Cummins had been expected to take a well-deserved respite. This impending break would have allowed him to recharge and recuperate for the upcoming challenges.
Mitchell Marsh set to be stand-in Australia captain in absence of Pat Cummins
As Cricket Australia gears up to unveil the lineups for the impending white-ball tours of South Africa and India, set to be disclosed in the upcoming week, it's anticipated that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will take the reins in Pat Cummins' absence.
In addition to this role, Marsh is also in contention for the role of Australia's T20 captain. Notably, during Cummins' previous absence earlier in the year, former Australia skipper Steve Smith had stepped up to lead the team in India.
Looking ahead, Australia's itinerary is filled with exciting encounters. The team is slated to take on South Africa in a series of three T20Is and five ODIs, commencing on August 30. Following their engagements with South Africa, they will then make their way to India for a series of ODIs.
Also Read: Nathan Lyon bashes ‘Bazball’ in scything verdict after Ashes
The pinnacle of their journey will be the much-anticipated World Cup, scheduled for October-November in India. Australia, a five-time ODI World Cup victor, will commence their campaign against the host nation, India, in Chennai on October 8.
Subsequent to this challenge, the team will embark on a voyage to Lucknow to face South Africa.
Renowned for their dominance across formats, Australia remains one of the most formidable cricketing units in the world.
With another major tournament on the horizon, the team aims to replicate their past successes and deliver another spectacular performance on the global stage.
