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Pat Cummins to have scan which is expected to reveal back issue – reports

Charbel Coorey
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Pat Cummins to have scan which is expected to reveal back issue – reports

Australia captain Pat Cummins will have a scan this week, which is expected to reveal evidence of a back issue, according to a CODE Sports report. The report hinted that the captain may need to be managed during the series depending on the severity of the issue.

Cummins will miss the upcoming T20I tour of New Zealand, while his participation in the ODI series against India and Sheffield Shield is currently up in the air.

Australia captain Pat Cummins to have back scans after reporting discomfort following West Indies tour

The captain reported tightness since returning from the Caribbean following Australia’s 3-0 win in the Test series. Cricket Australia (CA) insist the process is routine, but the fact that a scan is expected to reveal a back issue is concerning just over two months’ out from the Ashes.

“It’s understood a routine back scan undertaken by Cummins is set to show an issue of some sort that will need to be managed by Australia in the lead-up to the Ashes,” wrote Ben Horne for CODE Sports. “Cummins will miss next month’s T20s against New Zealand and he may also be in doubt for one-dayers against India in October.”

CA remain optimistic that Cummins will be good to go for the start of the Ashes. However, if Cummins misses any or all of the Tests, it will increase the pressure on Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. There are also numerous injuries in Australia’s pace bowling reserves, with Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson unavailable. Also, Jhye Richardson will not be fit for the start of the summer.

The early part of Cummins’ career was hampered by back injuries, and the hope is this is not a serious issue. The fast bowler has been a regular in Australia’s team across formats, with his body holding up well after remodelling his action in his early days under the guidance of legend Dennis Lillee.

Which grounds will host the 2026 Australia vs Bangladesh Tests?

Charbel Coorey
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Which grounds will host the 2026 Australia vs Bangladesh Tests?

Darwin is in pole position to host at least one of the two Tests between Australia and Bangladesh in mid-2026. According to reports, players were impressed with Darwin in the T20I series against South Africa last month, with two sell-outs, terrific weather, and good pitch conditions headlining the action.

The matches against Bangladesh are set to be Australia’s first winter Test series since hosting Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns in 2004. The same locations hosted two Tests against the Tigers a year earlier.

Darwin and North Queensland expected to host Australia vs Bangladesh Tests in 2026

Mararra Cricket Oval in Darwin is set to host its first Test in 22 years. Conditions in the winter months are perfect for cricket compared to other cities further south, with dry conditions and temperatures in the low 30s.

The other Test is likely to be played either in Cairns or Mackay. The latter is reportedly a strong chance of hosting its first ever Test as the Great Barrier Reef Arena received an upgrade in 2023.

Todd Greenberg confirmed they are looking at two different venues for the Australia-Bangladesh Tests. Also, the CEO said there is nothing to worry about with the weather.

“Ideally (we will consider two locations),” Greenberg said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. “We want to make sure we continue to play cricket in lots of different locations, so the next generation of kids can see their stars.

“I spent some time with the Chief Minister there and they’ve got a strong appetite for more cricket, as have we, to play more cricket there.

“The conditions up there are amazing when you take out the biggest variable we have in cricket, which is weather, and you have nothing to worry about.”

Australia and Bangladesh set for rare meeting in Test cricket

Bangladesh’s last Test tour of Australia came way back in 2003. Habibul Bashar’s team were expectedly trounced by a champion Australian team.

The Tigers were due to tour Australia in mid-2018, but CA cancelled that tour due to commercial reasons.

“To be honest it hasn’t been a great success, playing in the past as we have in northern Australia,” said then-CEO James Sutherland, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Even more so now with the rise of the profile of the football codes, particularly NRL and AFL, it just means we get swamped and it doesn’t make sense. Besides the huge cost to play up there and getting broadcasters and what have you to pick it up, just makes it difficult.”

However, current CEO Greenberg is more optimistic. “We had such good support (in the white-ball games against South Africa), we were sold out in almost every stadium we played in,” he said.

“Playing on each of the shoulder parts of the season (works). Our Australian women’s team will play a Test match in mid-March in Perth this year. International cricket is played 12 months of the year.”

Since 2003, Australia and Bangladesh have met just twice for a Test series. The first was in 2006, where Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting helped Australia avoid the biggest upset in Test history in Fatullah. In the second Test, Jason Gillespie hit that famous double hundred at Chattogram.

The next meeting was 11 years later in 2017. Led by Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round heroics, Bangladesh sealed a historic victory by 20 runs in the first Test at Mirpur. Australia bounced back to win the second Test by seven wickets at Chattogram. Nathan Lyon was the chief destroyer with 13 wickets.

Pat Cummins calls for $100 million fund to help sporting clubs battle climate change

Tarkesh Jha
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Pat Cummins calls for $100 million fund to help sporting clubs battle climate change

Australia’s Test cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has urged the federal government to set up a $100 million relief fund to help grassroots sports clubs manage rising climate-related costs.

At a summit in Parliament House Canberra, Cummins, backed by his Cricket for Climate initiative, called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Minister Chris Bowen to provide the funding over five years. The goal of this initiative is to support 1,000 community clubs grappling with extreme weather, high energy bills, and escalating maintenance demands.

Pat Cummins proposes for $100 million fund in battling climate change: What will it cover?

The proposed funds would cover installation of solar panels and battery systems, upgraded drainage to handle heavier rainfall, and shade infrastructure and lighting to enable training during cooler hours and prevent heat-related disruptions

The initiative aims to cut annual expenses for clubs by $2,000 to $10,000, helping them stay operational and resilient in a volatile environment. Cummins emphasised that losing local clubs would cost Australia more than sport itself they are the heartbeat of communities and incubators of future talent.

“If we don’t look after them, we lose more than just sport,” Cummins said, as quoted by ABC News.

“Community sporting clubs are the heartbeat of Australia. I’ve got so much to thank my community at Penrith growing up, not only taught me cricket but also it’s where I spent all my weekends, weekdays, it’s where I made so many close relations.

“It’s getting harder and harder, not only with extreme weather events, flooding recently, droughts throughout the summer, which makes running community sport harder, but also rising costs.

“Part of this initiative is to try and reduce the cost burden on a lot of those clubs to make sure community clubs can keep happening.

“This is about giving clubs a fair go so they can keep the lights on, keep people playing and be part of the shift to cleaner, cheaper energy.”

Cricket for Climate reports it has already helped clubs install over 400 kW of solar power, saving more than $1 million in energy costs. Success stories include a club in Victoria now earning $10,000 a year from solar.

Climate pressures are already impacting sport: half of the IPL’s 65 matches this year were played under hazardous heat conditions. In recent months, extreme rain in states like NSW and Queensland has disrupted local games, forcing cancellations and postponements.

Players like AFLW star Nicola Barr, who trained amid bushfire ash during the 2019-20 “Black Summer,” reinforced the urgency. 

Cummins and his campaign aren’t suggesting charity, they’re advocating for practical investment to make community sport future-ready, energy-efficient, and inclusive.

BAN vs NED T20Is: Litton Das aims for big scores of 200-250

Tarkesh Jha
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BAN vs NED T20Is: Litton Das aims for big scores of 200-250

Bangladesh captain Liton Das has set an ambitious target ahead of his team’s three-match T20 series against the Netherlands, aiming to post totals between 200 and 250 runs in each innings.

Speaking at a press briefing in Sylhet ahead of the first T20I on Saturday, Liton praised the local pitch, calling it balanced for both batters and bowlers.

Aiming for big scores and consistent approach in T20s – Litton Das

“The pitch here in Sylhet is excellent — balanced for both batters and bowlers, quite similar to what we’re likely to encounter in Abu Dhabi,” Litton said, as quoted by Daily Observer.

“Our goal is to put up totals of 200 to 250 runs. Even if we don’t always reach that mark, striving for consistency in our approach is crucial.”

Despite expressing confidence, he cautioned against underestimating the Dutch side. “The Dutch know how to make the most of good batting conditions. They’ll be tough to beat. We also want to test new faces, but make no mistake: winning is our top priority.”

Bangladesh’s camp in Sylhet was preceded by a high-intensity preparation in Dhaka. Power hitting drills, led by assistant coach Julian Wood, and fitness sessions underlined the team’s modern approach. As Liton put it, “fitness is non-negotiable,” and while new techniques demand patience, he believes “we’re on the right track.”

Meanwhile, opener Parvez Hossain Emon is injured, and Liton said the management hasn’t yet provided a formal update. The series kicks off at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on August 30. More than a contest, it’s a litmus test of Bangladesh’s readiness, both in form and mindset, for the Asia Cup coming up in Abu Dhabi.

Litton Das’ T20I record

Das has played 107 T20Is for the national team. He has scored 2292 runs at an average of 22.47. However, it is his strike rate that stands out, having aggregated just 125 runs per 100 deliveries in the shortest format.

With the T20 World Cup taking place in the sub-continent next year, Bangladesh can hope to deliver an improved performance. Das’ insistence on evolving to a higher-scoring mould reflects the changing dynamics of the format.

Bangladesh have often appeared to fall short of the newer batting standards, but a conscious effort to transform that could see their stocks rise in the multi-nation tournament next year.

List of squads for 2025 Asia Cup

Charbel Coorey
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List of squads for 2025 Asia Cup

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is fast approaching, and all eight teams are finalising their preparations. The tournament, to be played in the T20I format in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), begins on September 9, with the final to take place at Dubai International Stadium on September 28.

There will be two groups of four, before the Super Four stage decides who will make the final. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong will do battle in Group B.

2025 Asia Cup squads: Who have the eight teams selected?

Table of Contents

Group A

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Suryakumar Yadav leads a strong India squad, despite there being disappointment among fans at the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. Shubman Gill is the vice-captain.

India have plenty of power and balance in their lineup, with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel available as all-rounders.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Pakistan have made big decisions under new coach Mike Hesson. They have excluded both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan with a call for the duo to improve their strike rates. Salman Ali Agha will lead a squad of players looking to make a mark ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Muhammed Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Samay Shrivastava.

Oman are ready for their first-ever Asia Cup after months of drama. Players who featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup did not receive their prize money until July 2025, according to ESPNcricinfo. There are new faces in their 2025 Asia Cup squad, with Sufyan Yousuf, Zikriya Islam, Faisal Shah and Nadeem Khan a chance of making their international debuts.

United Arab Emirates: Yet to name squad

Group B

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Rashid Khan will lead an Afghanistan team looking to build on their semi-final appearance at last year’s T20 World Cup. They have an experienced squad with a host of all-rounders and good spin options including 19-year-old Allah Ghazanfar alongside Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and skipper Rashid.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin

Litton Das leads a Bangladesh team that comes into the Asia Cup feeling confident. They beat Sri Lanka 2-1 (away) and Pakistan 2-1 (home) last month. Their pace-bowling has improved in recent years, but the batting has to click in what is a tough Group B.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Wanindu Hasaranga has been picked in Sri Lanka’s 2025 Asia Cup squad despite being left out of the Zimbabwe tour due to a hamstring injury, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay and Eshan Malinga have been left out of the squad that lost to Bangladesh, with batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara coming in along with pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera.

Hong Kong, China: Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Haroon Mohammad Arshad, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed, Anas Khan, Ehsan Khan.

Yasim Murtaza leads a Hong Kong team looking to make a mark in this tournament. Their last assignment was the Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy, where they lost the final to Malaysia in Singapore. In the league stage, they beat Singapore twice, Samoa twice, and lost to Malaysia twice.

Hong Kong last featured in the 2022 edition, where they held their own pretty well against India, hitting 152/5.

“Looking up now” – Aakash Chopra backs Gautam Gambhir as India Test coach

Charbel Coorey
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“Looking up now” – Aakash Chopra backs Gautam Gambhir as India Test coach

Aakash Chopra believes the Indian Test team is on the way up after a tough start under coach Gautam Gambhir. The former opener says Gambhir’s Test record doesn’t make for pretty reading, but the performances in England provides promise in a transition period.

“Gautam Gambhir has been the coach in 15 Tests, of which India have won five, lost eight, and two have been drawn. The win percentage is 33.33, which is not great. However, it’s also true that India are going through a transition in Test cricket, and transition is painful,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra backs Gautam Gambhir to lead India Test team back to position of strength

Gambhir’s tenure as India Test coach began with a 2-0 home series win against Bangladesh. However, what followed was remarkable. A 3-0 home loss to New Zealand, one of the shock results in Test history, put the spotlight on Gambhir’s team selections and underperforming seniors.

Those concerns continued in Australia, where India lost the series 3-1 despite winning the first Test, relinquishing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since regaining it in 2017.

Chopra acknowledged India have struggled, but there is plenty to be optimistic about after a terrific effort to draw the series in England. Shubman Gill’s performance was outstanding, while KL Rahul has provided hope that he can succeed long term as Test opener.

“India have struggled a little in Test cricket. What happened against New Zealand was slightly surprising and worrying. That was definitely bad,” Chopra said. “In that backdrop, you went to Australia, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test careers ended there. They didn’t retire there, but they didn’t play Test matches after that.

“The transition is not yet fully completed,” Chopra continued. “A young gun team has been prepared which went and drew the series in England. A new captain scored 750 runs at No. 4, KL Rahul got established as an opener, and things are looking up one more time. The start wasn’t good. Not qualifying for the Test Championship was a serious blow, but things have started looking up now.”

India’s next Test assignment is a two-match series at home against the West Indies in October. The Windies have not won a Test in India since 1994. Given the state of their Test cricket, anything less than a 2-0 series win for Shubman Gill’s team will be a huge surprise.

Twitter reactions to Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from IPL, eyes global leagues

Tarkesh Jha
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Twitter reactions to Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from IPL, eyes global leagues

With a sense of quiet finality, Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), closing a storied 16-year chapter in the T20 league. The 38-year-old made the announcement on August 27, 2025, signalling a graceful exit from the competition that kickstarted with Chennai Super Kings and seemed to end there too, as he wrapped up his journey with the team where it all began.

“They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today”, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Over 221 matches in the IPL, Ashwin claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2 – numbers which earned him a spot as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in history. Having stepped away from international cricket in December 2024, his IPL retirement opens the door to fresh chapters. He’s eager to explore opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.

Reactions: Fans react to R Ashwin retiring from the IPL

Reactions poured in immediately after the announcement. Teammates, fans, and mentors offered heartfelt tributes, celebrating Ashwin’s consistency, cricketing mind, and quiet leadership.

“Our memory often cheats us into undermining someone’s capabilities. Ashwin bhai was the foremost experimenter in IPL bowling, redefining the rules when people said the format wasn’t suited for off spin bowling. A legend, and a ruthless winner, you’ll be missed,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

Even his wife, Prithi, shared an emotional message, highlighting the personal side of his cricket journey. Here are some of the reactions.

Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that will forever echo through IPL corridors. As he steps into the global T20 circuits, he departs the league with a trove of memories, impact, and respect that few achieve.

James Anderson tops SA20 auction registration list in surprising T20 twist

Tarkesh Jha
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James Anderson tops SA20 auction registration list in surprising T20 twist

Former England pacer James Anderson, known for his record-breaking Test career, finds himself at the top of the SA20 auction registration list; an unexpected and intriguing development ahead of the South African T20 league’s player draft.

Out of 782 registrants vying for just 84 slots, Anderson’s name jumps off the page, sitting between Ben Green and Mason Crane. At 43, he stands among the oldest hopefuls, only slightly younger than 46-year-old Imran Tahir, also eyeing a spot.

James Anderson puts name forward for SA20 2026

Anderson retired from Test cricket last July after taking 704 wickets, but has played 17 matches across first-class, T20, and The Hundred since then. His inclusion suggests there’s life left in those seasoned shoulders.

He will go head-to-head with a spectrum of talent from current internationals like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Reece Topley, Devon Conway, Maheesh Theekshana, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales, to veterans like Martin Guptill, Jason Roy, and Mahmudullah. Quinton de Kock’s status remains clouded, while WTC-winning captain Temba Bavuma quietly hopes for a recall, despite his modest T20 strike rate.

The list also features a lineage of cricketing surnames that resonate deeply: Keaton Jennings, Luc Benkenstein, Rashard Gibbs, Brett D’Oliveira, and Jarren Bacher, all with family ties to legends of the sport.

Of course, the odds are steep; only about 10% of hopefuls will make the cut. SA20, backed by IPL franchise owners, has USD 7.37 million to splurge across teams. Pre-signed players and retentions have trimmed the auction spots even further.

Still, for now, there’s something magical about seeing names as diverse as Anderson, Tahir, and de Kock on the same sheet. When the SA20 roars into life from late December to January in Cape Town, there’s a chance we’ll see unexpected reunions.

Kevin Pietersen trolled for suggesting sixes over 100m should count for 12 runs

Charbel Coorey
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Kevin Pietersen trolled for suggesting sixes over 100m should count for 12 runs

Kevin Pietersen has doubled down on his view that sixes over 100m should count for an extra 12 runs. The former England batsman took to social media soon after Steven Eskinazi smashed a six over the pavilion for Welsh Fire against Trent Rockets, claiming this rule change will encourage more players to try hit the ball further, resulting in more entertainment for fans.

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again, if a batter hits a six that is over 100m, 12 runs should be added to the score! More batters will try and with more batters trying, more entertainment,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Fans respond with sarcastic, hilarious suggestions as Kevin Pietersen calls for bonus 12 runs for 100m sixes

Fans were quick to pounce. Many called it a ridiculous rule, others responded with hilarious suggestions inspired by sarcasm.

“If bowler hits the middle stump then even the next batter should be declared out. More bowlers will try accurate yorkers, more entertainment,” one fan wrote.

“If a six goes out of the park and lands in someone’s house, the batter should be declared out and must personally go to the owner’s house to ask for the ball back, just like gully cricket,” said another.

Another fan pointed to the can of worms that Pietersen’s proposed rule would create, favouring more powerfully built players. This could see the dynamic of XIs change significantly, with teams potentially opting for fewer of those touch players who impress with their timing.

“So Tim David should be rewarded more then Temba Bavuma because he is bigger and hits it further. Even though they both clear the rope,” wrote the fan.

European Cricket League suspended in the wake of Dream11 ban 

Tarkesh Jha
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European Cricket League suspended in the wake of Dream11 ban 

European cricket is staring at a major crisis as the European Cricket Network (ECN) is set to lose its biggest financial backer, Dream11. ECN has played an instrumental role in driving the sport’s growth across the continent since 2019.

The blow comes after India passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans all money-based online games. Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform and ECN’s key sponsor, is expected to withdraw once the law is signed by President Droupadi Murmu, likely within weeks.

ALSO READ: Fans react to the ban on Dream11 money-based online games

The ECN, founded by Australian Daniel Weston and backed by the International Cricket Council, has been a lifeline for cricket in Associate nations. It has staged more than 7,200 T10 matches across 55 cities in 26 European countries, featuring 800 teams and 10,500 players. The network has also paid around £4 million to cricket boards since its inception, giving vital exposure and revenue to emerging markets.

Weston called the funding loss devastating. “Cricket in Europe risks being pushed back 20 years. Our vision to make it the top bat-and-ball sport now feels shattered,” he said, as quoted by the BBC. 

“Fantasy sports have provided unmatched financial support to help grow cricket, especially in Associate nations, creating opportunities for both men and women.

“It is a very sad moment for cricketers, cricket fans, and the children of cricketers all over the world, who will now likely not grow up in a world that is developing cricket outside of the big three.”

Without Dream11, the ECN admits survival will be tough. It hopes to complete its 2025 events but warns that without a major sponsor, scaling back is inevitable. Dream11 has not commented on its exit.

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