Cummins set for scans as Australia manage World Cup gamble

Australian fast bowler and Test captain Pat Cummins will undergo scans in four weeks to assess his availability for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as Cricket Australia continues to carefully manage his workload.

Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins has been dealing with a back issue since returning from the West Indies tour in July. The injury forced him to miss the first two Tests of the Ashes series before making a successful return in Adelaide, where he claimed six wickets and played a key role in Australia retaining the Ashes.

Despite the strong comeback, Cummins has been rested for the final two Ashes Tests in Melbourne and Sydney as part of a planned recovery strategy.

“Cummins will undertake a planned period of load management to provide the optimal environment for his ongoing back recovery,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “He will undergo scheduled imaging over the coming weeks to assess progress.”

McDonald confirmed that Cummins will be named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, to be announced next week. However, his final participation will depend on the outcome of the scans.

“The scans will give us clarity on where he’s at for the World Cup,” McDonald said. “He’ll be named in the squad, and then we’ll assess from there.”

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, who missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues, has resumed running and remains on track for a World Cup return.

“He looks good and is within the expected time frames,” McDonald said.

Big-hitting batter Tim David has been ruled out for the remainder of the Big Bash League after sustaining a grade two right hamstring strain while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes on Boxing Day. Despite the setback, Cricket Australia confirmed that David is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign begins on February 11 in Colombo, with matches also scheduled in India.