Portugal Colonial - Australia skipper Cummins under fitness cloud for Ashes

The 32-year-old fast bowler was rested from the recent series against 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 the tour of the West Indies in July.

"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 when Cummins may return to cricket.

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

The first Test against England begins on November 21 in Perth.

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

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

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.

S.Caetano--PC