Tag: australia

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said Friday he hoped to play in all five Ashes Tests against England but conceded he will need to see how his back injury holds up, local media said.

Pace spearhead Cummins has been ruled out of the October white-ball series against New Zealand and India with “lumbar bone stress”.

The 32-year-old has not bowled since the Test tour of the West Indies in June-July, and no firm date has been set for his return.

Cummins said Friday that although he hopes to be part of the Ashes, he would need to “wait and see”.

“There are no hard and fast plans yet,” the skipper told reporters.

“I’m still doing a bit of gym and keeping things kicking over, but with this kind of injury, it’s rest and then we’ll build back and kind of work back from the Ashes,” he said.

“Still really hopeful to be able to be part of the Ashes. But it is a little bit of a wait-and-see.”

Pat Cummins told reporters he aimed to play in all five Tests, but conceded a decision would have to be made closer to the time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It’s honestly too far out to say. But the aim at the moment is to try and be ready for all of it,” he said.

Cummins has suffered severe back issues several times over the years, including a flare-up in 2018 that kept him out of action for a full off-season.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said this week he was confident Cummings would play a key part in the Ashes.

But he acknowledged to SEN radio that the uncertainty around Cummins “is not ideal”, but it was an “overreaction” to say the skipper would not play.

“It’s not ideal. I’m not going to sit here and say that it’s ideal,” McDonald told the radio station.

The first Ashes Test against England in Perth starts on November 21.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They enjoyed a 4-0 sweep of England at home in 2021-22. Cummins was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps at an average of 18.

READ: Official song for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 revealed

England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

Pope officially took on the role in May 2023 after securing his place as England’s number three in Test cricket, and has since led the team five times when inspirational skipper Ben Stokes has been absent through injury.

Stokes is back training following a shoulder problem, but his coach at county side Durham, Ryan Campbell, was “not 100 percent sure” the all-rounder would feature in all five Tests against Australia, with England bidding for their first Ashes series win since 2015.

Doubts have been raised about Pope’s tactical acumen, with England white-ball captain Brook regarded as a more proactive leader in the field.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

And should Stokes be ruled out of a Test during the Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth, the 26-year-old Brook could now be asked to lead England in red-ball cricket as well.

McCullum, asked Sunday whether Pope will take up his usual role as Stokes’ deputy in Australia, replied: “We will work on that one. We will chat about that over the coming days as we finalise our Ashes squad.

“I think it’s a pretty easy squad to pick. We don’t need too big a squad, but we have a very settled group of batters, a cartel of fast bowlers, and Shoaib Bashir as our frontline spinner.”

The former New Zealand captain, speaking after England’s third and deciding T20 against South Africa in Nottingham, which was washed out without a ball being bowled, added: “I think it’s no secret Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain slams India over handshake controversy

Former captain Virat Kohli has become the first active Indian cricketer to complete a BCCI-supervised fitness test outside the country, with his assessment conducted in London, according to Indian media reports on Wednesday.

The board is said to have approved Kohli’s request to use specialised facilities in England, while ensuring the process remained fully monitored.

In contrast, most of his teammates, including ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, undertook their evaluations at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, is now focused solely on ODIs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Rohit impressed observers in Bengaluru by passing the newly introduced Bronco Test with strong numbers, alongside the traditional Yo-Yo assessment.

The 38-year-old captain was praised for his conditioning and consistency, while pacer Prasidh Krishna also stood out with high scores. Reports suggest all players who took part in the evaluations on August 30 and 31 cleared them successfully.

The Bronco Test, a rugby-inspired drill involving continuous shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, was recently added to the Indian team’s fitness protocols by strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux.

It now stands alongside the Yo-Yo test, which has long been the benchmark for evaluating player fitness.

READ: Galatasaray sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on free transfer

Australia are confident that captain Pat Cummins will be fit for the Ashes after he was ruled out of the series against New Zealand and India with a back complaint on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old fast bowler was rested from the recent white-ball series against the West Indies and South Africa and is still dealing with what Cricket Australia described as “lumbar bone stress”.

Test skipper Cummins has been struggling with the issue since July, and the Ashes start in November.

“Despite this planned (rest) period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour,” Cricket Australia said.

“Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months.”

No date was set for a return, but chairman of selectors George Bailey said he expected Cummins to play the first Ashes Test at Perth from November 21.

“It still feels like there’s plenty of time,” Bailey said. “Full expectation that Pat will be right to go come the first Test.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

But he conceded they could be forced to select Pat Cummins without any recent cricket under his belt.

“If it got to that stage… I still think that we’d be comfortable with Pat’s experience and skill level,” he said.

It would be a devastating blow for Australia if Cummins were unable to return for the start of the Ashes.

Cummins will definitely miss white-ball matches against New Zealand and India starting on October 1.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended 2-2. Cummins took 18 wickets during that series, his second Ashes series as captain.

Australia enjoyed a 4-0 sweep of England at home in 2021-22, and Cummins was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps at an average of 18.

READ: BCCI eyes MS Dhoni as mentor for T20 World Cup 2026: reports

MELBOURNE: Australia have named a 14-member squad for next month’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, with allrounder Marcus Stoinis making his international return.

Stoinis, who stepped away from ODIs earlier this year and has been without a central or state contract for 12 months, last featured for Australia in late 2024.

His comeback headlines a squad that also sees Mitchell Owen and Matthew Short back in the fold. Owen returns after a concussion ruled him out of the South Africa series, while Short has recovered from a side strain picked up during training in Jamaica.

Selectors have opted to rest captain Pat Cummins as he manages a back problem in the lead-up to the Ashes summer, while pacer Nathan Ellis will miss the series due to paternity leave.

Cameron Green has also been left out, with his immediate focus on Sheffield Shield cricket as he builds back towards bowling.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett has earned a recall, but back-up keeper Alex Carey and allrounder Aaron Hardie, both injury replacements during the South Africa series, miss out.

Ellis, who has played 10 of Australia’s last 11 T20Is, is widely regarded as a long-term option in the pace attack following Mitchell Starc’s retirement.

Left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis also remains in contention after impressive performances in the Caribbean and against South Africa.

The three-match series begins on October 1, with all games scheduled at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The second and third T20Is will be played on October 3 and 4, respectively.

Australia squad for New Zealand T20Is

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

READ: Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20I cricket

Australia captain Pat Cummins is in a race against time to be fit ahead of the opening match of the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26, slated to commence on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins underwent scans on Monday morning.

According to the report, Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief medical officer, alongside the team doctor and physio, will take time to discuss the scan results.

Moreover, Pat Cummins’s back trouble could rule him out of all the white-ball fixtures that will be played before the first Ashes Test. The star pacer is also unlikely for the T20 squad against New Zealand.

“Depending on the seriousness of Cummins’ back trouble, he may miss all the white ball games that precede the first Ashes Test in Perth in late November and could also need to avoid playing a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales,” the report said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“As it is, he will be missing from the Twenty20 squad that will be named on Tuesday to tour New Zealand,” it added.

Subsequently, Cummins is likely to be fit for the start of the Ashes, having previously undergone similar scans last summer before the Border-Gavaskar series.

Pat Cummins’ injury concerns arose during the West Indies tour, where he played all three Test matches. Overall, the right-arm pacer has bowled 85 overs across four Tests, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.

After his absence, ace batter Steve Smith could be in line for captaincy due to his vast experience under his belt.

For context, Pat Cummins has a longstanding problem with back injuries during the early stages of his career.

After making his Test debut in 2011, Cummins missed six years of cricket. However, in recent times, the fast bowler has been pivotal in Australia’s success.

READ: Record prize money announced for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has revealed that he has undergone another surgery for skin cancer, reigniting concern about the widespread health issue in the country.

The 44-year-old shared the update on his social media accounts, posting a photo from a hospital bed with a bandage on his nose. In his message, Clarke stressed the importance of regular health check-ups.

“Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked,” he wrote.

“Prevention is better than cure but in my case, regular check-ups and early detection is key.”

He also expressed gratitude to his Sydney-based specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “So grateful that Dr. Bish Soliman got it early,” he added.

Michael Clarke was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 and has since undergone multiple treatments.

He has often used his platform to raise awareness, reminding fans about the significance of prevention and early detection.

In 2023, he admitted that his skin cancer scares had left him fearful about not being around for his daughter, Kelsey Lee.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It does scare me. I am a dad – I don’t want to go anywhere,” Clarke told the Daily Telegraph at the time. “The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter and set a good example for her.”

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest batters, Clarke represented his country in 394 international matches between 2004 and 2015, amassing 17,112 runs across formats.

He captained Australia in 74 Tests, winning 47 and losing 16, while also leading in 139 ODIs. Under his leadership, Australia reclaimed the Ashes 5-0 in 2013-14 and lifted the ICC World Cup in 2015.

READ: Inter Miami provide update on Lionel Messi ahead of Leagues Cup semis

MACKAY: Records tumbled in Australia vs South Africa third One Day International (ODI) as Cameron Green hit the second-fastest century for the hosts here at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Australia amassed 431 runs in total, losing just two wickets in the process, within their allocated 50 overs, which shattered multiple records.

The total in the Australia vs South Africa match was the hosts’ highest at home and overall second-highest in ODIs, falling just three runs short of their remarkable 437 against the Proteas in Johannesburg in 2006.

With Cameron Green (118*), Travis Head (142), and Mitchell Marsh (100), all three batters scoring centuries, this marked the second time a team’s three batters have achieved tons.

The first instance was between South Africa and the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Cameron Green, who hit 118* off 55 balls, entered the record books by smashing the fastest ODI century against South Africa and the second fastest for his country in the format.

Green surpassed Matthew Hayden’s record of a 66-ball century against the Proteas.

Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball effort against the Netherlands in Delhi in the 2023 ODI World Cup holds the record for the fastest century for Australia.

Australia is playing in a dead rubber, since South Africa has already won the series 2-0. However, their openers Marsh and Head came out firing all cylinders with a mammoth 250-run partnership.

The duo’s partnership was the fifth highest for Australia, with the previous double century stand for Aussies forged between Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket in Mumbai in 2023.

At the time of filing this story, Australia were in command of the match with South Africa reeling at 135-7 in only 19.2 overs.

READ: Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement from all forms of cricket

MACKAY: Lundi Ngidi took five wickets after Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs’s half-centuries to steer South Africa to a dominant 84-run victory over Australia in the second ODI here on Friday.

South Africa showcased an impressive bowling performance at Great Barrier Reef Arena, dismissing Australia for 193 runs in 37.4 overs after their batsmen scored 277 runs.

Josh Inglis waged a lone battle for Australia with an 87-run knock, but could not find much support from the other end.

Lungi Ngidi led the bowling attack for South Africa, returning figures of 5-42. He was supported by Nandre Burger and Senuran Muthusamy, who took two wickets each, while Wiaan Mulder bagged one.

Earlier, Matthew Breetzke slammed a superb 88 and Tristan Stubbs 74 to help their team post a challenging 277.

Breetzke crunched eight fours and two sixes to continue his impressive form since making his debut this year. In his first four ODIs, he has posted a century and three half-centuries.

Stubbs was also impressive in an 87-ball stay before the visitors were dismissed in the final over.

Adam Zampa (3-63) was the pick of the bowlers while Cameron Green held four catches.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

South Africa started tentatively with Australia pacer Xavier Bartlett bagging both openers inside the first six overs.

The paceman had Aiden Markram, standing in as skipper with Temba Bavuma rested, caught by Travis Head at mid-wicket without scoring.

He then tempted Ryan Rickelton (8) to poke at a seaming ball with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis taking a fine diving catch.

But Breetzke relieved the pressure when Aaron Hardie came on, slamming the quick for two sixes and a four in an over to steer them to 56-2 after the 10-over powerplay.

He then built a breezy 67-run stand with Tony de Zorzi (38) and shared another 89-run partnership with Stubbs, before skying Nathan Ellis to Alex Carey in the deep.

Stubbs stuck around as wickets fell around him before Zampa tempted him into a slog down the ground with Green getting underneath it, before a late flurry from the tail.

The third ODI between Australia and South Africa will be played at the same venue on 24 August.

WATCH: Wiaan Mulder survives injury scare while bowling in second Australia ODI

MACKAY: South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder endured a frightening moment during the second ODI against Australia here on Friday but managed to walk away unscathed before making an immediate impact with the ball.

The incident unfolded in the second innings when Mulder came on to bowl the 10th over after South Africa had posted 277 in their first innings.

On his very first delivery, Mulder lost his footing at the popping crease and collapsed awkwardly, sparking concern among teammates and spectators.

It appeared that his back foot slipped while landing, leaving him unable to balance his bodyweight through the delivery stride.

Fortunately, Wiaan Mulder managed to fall safely and avoided what could have been a serious knee or back injury.

The 27-year-old was quickly back on his feet and started his spell. Remarkably, he struck on the second ball of his spell, removing Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh (18).

The right-hander attempted a pull shot off a short delivery, only to mistime it into the mid-wicket region, gifting South Africa a crucial breakthrough.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Earlier in the match, Wiaan Mulder contributed a valuable 26 off 21 balls with the bat, rounding off a strong all-round performance.

Notably, Australia were bundled for 193 in 37.4 overs while chasing a target of 278, losing the second ODI and the three-match series.

Josh Inglis waged a lone battle for Australia with an 87-run knock but could not find much support from the other end.

Lungi Ngidi led the bowling attack for South Africa, returning figures of 5-42. He was supported by Nandre Burger and Senuran Muthusamy, who took two wickets each.

The third ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on 24 August.

READ: ICC revises Women’s World Cup 2025 schedule