Overview
- Pat Cummins missed the first two Ashes Tests with a lower‑back injury, then returned in Adelaide to take six wickets in the series‑clinching win.
- Australia ruled him out of the final two Tests to avoid the risk of back‑to‑back matches so soon after his recovery.
- Cummins plans to rest before the T20 World Cup, though coach Andrew McDonald cautioned his tournament availability is not guaranteed and further scans are expected.
- The T20 World Cup is co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Australia opening against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
- Nathan Lyon underwent hamstring surgery after his Adelaide injury and faces months on the sidelines, with Australia fielding an all‑pace attack in Melbourne and no Test series until August.