Australia’s Ashes celebrations have been tempered by a major blow to their leadership and bowling stocks. Captain Pat Cummins has been officially ruled out of the remaining two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
Furthermore, serious doubts have emerged regarding his availability for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for February.
Effective but Costly Move
Pat Cummins’ return for the third Test at Adelaide proved to be a high-risk but decisive move that ultimately sealed the Ashes for Australia.
After missing the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane because of a lumbar stress reaction sustained in July, Cummins came back emphatically, claiming a superb six-wicket haul.
His impact played a crucial role in Australia’s 82-run victory, giving them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
T20 World Cup Participation: Unclear
The most concerning aspect of the update is Cummins’ status for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, 2026.
While Cummins captains the Test and ODI sides, he remains a vital component of the T20 squad led by Mitchell Marsh.
McDonald admitted the situation is currently uncertain. “Looking forward to the World Cup, whether he’ll be there or not, I can’t really say.
It’s quite grey at the moment. We’re hopeful, but we need more information from scans,” the coach added.
This uncertainty also casts a shadow over his upcoming stint in IPL 2026, where he is slated to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Steve Smith Back as Captain Following Squad Changes
With Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (torn hamstring) both sidelined for the remainder of the summer, Australia has named a refreshed 15-man squad for the Boxing Day Test:
- Captaincy: Steve Smith will resume the captaincy after missing the Adelaide Test due to vertigo symptoms.
- The Spinner: Todd Murphy replaces Nathan Lyon and is set to play his first home Test at his home ground, the MCG.
- The Pace Attack: Jhye Richardson has been recalled following a four-year absence and three shoulder surgeries. He will battle Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser for the final bowling spot alongside “freak” performer Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
As Australia aims for a 5-0 whitewash, the management’s focus has clearly shifted to “putting Cummins on ice” to ensure their premier fast bowler survives for the global tournaments ahead.
