Pat Cummins out of Ashes series, new blow to Australia

New Delhi: The host team has suffered another major setback in the ongoing Ashes series 2025-26 between Australia and England. Ahead of the fourth Test, Australia captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the remaining two Test matches of the series. This information was given by Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald on 23 December.

absence of pat cummins

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced its squad for the fourth Test in Melbourne, without captain Pat Cummins. Andrew McDonald confirmed to the media that Cummins will be out of the entire series. He told that Cummins’s fitness was discussed among the team management. Australia has already won the series, and the coach believes that no player should be put at unnecessary risk. Along with Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out of the remaining Test matches of this series.

Question on selection for T-20 World Cup

With the announcement of Cummins being out of the series, discussion has started whether the Australian selectors will include him in the team for the T20 World Cup starting in February. In view of his injury, caution can be exercised in selection.

Cummins’ injury situation

According to the information, Pat Cummins is suffering from a back injury, which was the reason why he could not play in the first two Test matches of the Ashes series. However, after returning in the Adelaide Test, he performed brilliantly and took 6 wickets, which proved important in Australia’s victory.

The responsibility of captaincy is in the hands of Steve Smith

In the absence of Cummins, the captaincy of the team will be handed over to Steve Smith. Smith, who could not play in the third Test due to illness, will now captain the fourth Test.

Australia team for Melbourne test

Australia’s squad is as follows: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.