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Australia test captain Pat Cummins will reportedly not be available for the upcoming T20 tour of New Zealand due to fitness concerns.
The seamer has not participated in recent white-ball fixtures against the West Indies and South Africa following reports of 'some tightness' in his back since returning from the Carribean in July.
According to News Corp, the 32-year-old is expected to return to action during the ODI series against India in August ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth.
Cummins previously missed the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after having trouble with his ankle and will be desperate to be fit in time to defend their Ashes title.
Australia's fringe fast bowlers Lance Morris, Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis are all also treating various injuries ahead of the 2025/26 summer, heaping pressure on the fitness of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
He is set to undergo a routine scan next week but will not be rushed back into action by Cricket Australia, with the main priority being his readiness for the Ashes in November.
The Aussies three-match T20 tour of New Zealand starts on 1 October.
