Overview

• Cummins said a second scan this week showed a stress hot spot in his lower back, leaving him unsure he will be ready for the first Test in Perth on November 21.
• He confirmed he is not bowling at present and expects several weeks of rest before any return-to-bowling decision.
• Cricket Australia stated he will not be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series and will follow a staged rehab plan with his Ashes preparation in mind.
• Earlier reports identified the issue as lumbar bone stress, which typically requires careful workload management and could limit his bowling through the series.
• Selectors are weighing contingency plans, with Steve Smith available to captain if required and pace options including Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott under consideration.