Cummins ruled out of remainder of Ashes, T20 WC participation uncertain

Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins for the remainder of the Ashes, with the fast bowler's brief return for the third Test now confirmed as a one-off appearance and his availability for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, also uncertain.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Cummins has been left out of Australia’s 15-member squad for the Boxing Day Test against England, with selectors opting to manage his workload following his recent recovery from a back issue. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who tore his right hamstring, was expectedly omitted, with Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson drafted into the squad ahead of the fourth Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith will continue to lead the side in Cummins’ absence, while Michael Neser, Beau Webster and reserve quick Brendan Doggett have retained their places despite missing out on selection in the Adelaide Test. Australia sealed an unassailable 3-0 lead to regain the urn, with an 82-run win in Adelaide, a match that marked Cummins’ only appearance in the Ashes.

Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins will play no further part in the series, explaining that the decision had been planned well in advance.

“He (Cummins) won't play any part in the rest of the series,” McDonald said.