Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of their white-ball home series against India in October this year. Star fast bowler and Test captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of both the ODI and T20 series due to a recurring lower back stress fracture, an injury that first troubled him back in March 2011.

Cummins sidelined again due to back injury

Cricket Australia confirmed that Cummins will miss not just the India series but also the three-match T20 series against New Zealand earlier in October. The board made this decision keeping in mind Cummins’ long-term fitness, especially with the high-profile Ashes series against England scheduled later this year.

The 31-year-old pacer will now undergo rehabilitation, with the focus solely on ensuring he regains full fitness in time for the Ashes.

Injury history haunting Cummins

This is not the first time Pat Cummins has battled a stress fracture in his back. His troubles began in the Sheffield Shield tournament in 2011, when he first suffered the injury at just 17 years old. Since then, the problem has resurfaced multiple times, forcing him to spend long periods away from the game.

• November 2012 – Stress fracture recurrence.

• August 2013 – Another breakdown during domestic cricket.

• September 2023 – Ruled out due to the same injury.

• October 2025 – Once again sidelined as the injury returns ahead of India’s tour.

Despite these setbacks, Cummins has built an impressive career, leading Australia to success across formats. But his recurring injury remains a concern for selectors and fans alike.

Cricket Australia’s statement

In its official release, Cricket Australia said:
“Pat Cummins will miss the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and the white-ball series against India as part of his rehabilitation program. He will return directly for preparations ahead of the Ashes.”

This decision, though disappointing for fans, reflects the team’s priority of managing Cummins’ workload and fitness carefully.

India-Australia series schedule

The India vs Australia white-ball series will begin on October 19, 2025.

• ODI Series:

  • 1st ODI – Perth (October 19)

  • 2nd ODI – Adelaide (October 23)

  • 3rd ODI – Sydney (October 25)

• T20 Series:

  • 1st T20 – Canberra (October 29)

  • 2nd T20 – Melbourne (October 31)

  • 3rd T20 – Hobart (November 2)

  • 4th T20 – Gold Coast (November 6)

  • 5th T20 – Brisbane (November 8)

Before hosting India, Australia will also play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting October 1.

What Cummins’ absence means for Australia

Pat Cummins’ injury absence is a big blow for Australia’s bowling attack. The team management will now look to rotate among other senior pacers like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Ellis, while also providing opportunities to emerging fast bowlers ahead of the Ashes.

For India, the series will serve as a crucial opportunity to test their ODI and T20 combinations in Australian conditions before upcoming ICC events.

Conclusion

Pat Cummins’ return of a 14-year-old back injury is a reminder of the physical demands fast bowlers face in modern cricket. While Australia will miss his services in the upcoming white-ball matches, the long-term focus remains on having their Test captain fully fit and firing for the Ashes series against England.