Australian Skipper Pat Cummins Anticipated to Miss ODI Series Against India Due to Suspected Broken Wrist
Days after an exciting Ashes series, the Australian cricket team has been hit with a fresh injury blow. It is reported that their skipper, Pat Cummins, is anticipated to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against India due to a suspected broken wrist. This news comes as a major setback for the team, especially considering the series is scheduled right before the World Cup.
Cricket Australia has not yet made an official confirmation regarding Cummins’ injury, but sources with knowledge of the matter reveal that medical staff have not ruled out the possibility of a fracture. Cummins sustained the wrist injury on the first day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which England went on to win by 49 runs. Despite the injury, Cummins showed great determination and continued to play with a heavily-strapped wrist. At the time, the injury didn’t appear to be too serious.
Cummins, who played continuously for six Tests including five Ashes matches and the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, was expected to take some time off to rest and recover. Cricket Australia is expected to announce the squads for Australia’s upcoming white-ball tours to South Africa and India next week. In Cummins’ absence, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is likely to lead the team, and he is also in contention to be named Australia’s T20 skipper. Former captain Steve Smith had led the team in Cummins’ absence during their previous tour of India earlier this year.
Before the ODI series against India, Australia is scheduled to play three T20Is and five ODIs against South Africa starting from August 30. Following that, they will head to India for the ODIs. Australia, being the five-time ODI World Cup winners, will kick off their World Cup campaign against the host country, India, in Chennai on October 8. Subsequently, they will face South Africa in Lucknow. The team is considered one of the most formidable units in any format, and they will be hoping for another successful outing in the upcoming edition of the World Cup.
Despite the setback due to Cummins’ injury, Australia’s cricket fans are optimistic about the team’s performance. With a strong squad and experienced players, they have the potential to excel in the series against India and make their mark in the highly-anticipated World Cup.
