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Pat Cummins provides update on back injury

Tarkesh Jha
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Pat Cummins provides update on back injury

Pat Cummins has provided an update on the back injury that has Australia holding its breath ahead of the Ashes. The fast bowler is committed to leading his side in the big series despite a lower back stress injury jeopardizing his participation in the opening game in Perth on November 21.

Medical scans confirmed a lumbar bone stress injury, ruling him out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India. Cummins described the prospect of missing the series opener as devastating, and stressed he’s doing everything possible to be ready.

Pat Cummins update: Rest and light gym work crucial to recovery

Cummins taking a cautious approach limited to light gym work, with no bowling or running, hoping genuine rest will allow him to build up gradually. Cummins hasn’t set a return date, telling reporters the next reassessment is a month away. He remained confident he could return to peak form quickly, even without a run in domestic Shield matches.

With just under three months until the Ashes, Cummins hinted he’s prepared to “be a bit aggressive” in his rehab. “It’s not too bad, it was a little bit sore,” he said, as quoted by SEN.

The fast bowler said feeling sore after a Test series is normal, but the stiffness in his back hung around for an extended period after the West Indies Test series.

“How it works normally after a Test match, you’re pretty sore everywhere and things kind of cool down after a week or so, and you hope to go back to normal.

“But my back was a little bit stiff, so it’s just hung around a little bit, but there are still ages to go before the Ashes. So, a bit of rest, lots of gym work, and then we’ll build back up.”

Will Cummins be ready for the Ashes opener?

Selectors remain optimistic. Chief selector George Bailey noted there’s still adequate recovery window and said replacements like Scott Boland are on standby if needed. Given the nature of Cummins’ injury and past back injuries, it is likely that the captain won’t play all five Tests. However, Cummins has warned against deciding too soon.

“The intention is to try and play as much of it as possible, but especially the first Test as captain as well. That’ll be the aim absolutely and then you try and map out how you can play as much as possible,” said Cummins.

“It feels kind of pretty silly to try and work out hypotheticals this far out, but intention is to try and play as much as we can.”

Cummins had a stress fracture in his back in mid-2018 but recovered in time to play against India in 2018/19. The hope is he will be in full flow by the time the Ashes begins.

“But my back was a little bit stiff, so it’s just hung around a little bit, but there are still ages to go before the Ashes. So, a bit of rest, lots of gym work, and then we’ll build back up.”

Pat cummins on his back injury

The big series begins on November 21 in Perth. England are seeking their first Test win down under since 2010/11. A strong start for both teams will be vital.

Ricky Ponting’s warning to Australia regarding succession plan

Charbel Coorey
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Ricky Ponting’s warning to Australia regarding succession plan

Ricky Ponting believes Australia must be clear on a succession plan given most of the current Test team is aged 30 years and over. The former captain fears the Test team will face multiple retirements at once. This will leave a huge hole that numerous inexperienced players will need to fill at the highest level.

The selectors have been hesistant to give younger players a go in recent years. They have chosen either to stick with experienced underperformers or bring in players who are above 30 themselves. Management were quick to leave 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney and 19-year-old Sam Konstas out of the XI against India and Sri Lanka respectively last summer, while other out-of-form seniors, including Usman Khawaja and previously David Warner, were under less scrutiny despite extended periods of lean returns.

Cameron Green was the only player under 30 in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Konstas joined him in the West Indies after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped.

Australia are likely to opt for experience in the quest to retain the Ashes. Scott Boland is on standby should Pat Cummins miss any Tests due to a back problem. Also, 30-year-old Jake Weatherald is a strong chance due to his prolific returns since the start of last year’s Sheffield Shield.

Ricky Ponting on succession plan: “Five or six may go at once”

However, Ponting has urged Australia to think about the ramifications of too many players retiring at once.

“Yes, I think it is (important to start blooding new talent). But it’s heading down that path now where we might see five or six of them go at once,” Ponting told CODE Sports. “I think this could be Khawaja’s last summer; he could be one of the first ones to go.

“The bowling group has been together and been successful for so long, Cricket Australia (also) needs to manage that. I’m sure they’ve had discussions around that already, and if they haven’t, they should’ve.”

Ponting experienced this himself in the late 2000s. The Test team went through a lull after a number of legends retired.

“I was there when it happened to me as captain when we had Gilly (Adam Gilchrist), Matt (Hayden), McGrath, Warne, Langer move on together, no team wants that,” Ponting said.

“it’s heading down that path now where we might see five or six of them go at once”

Ricky Ponting on Australia’s conundrum

It has been a balancing act for selectors in recent years given the success of the Australian team. However, critics believe they have stuck with the likes of Warner and Khawaja too long instead of blooding in younger players. Also, selectors have stuck with the core group of fast bowlers even in situations where a series has been wrapped up.

The first Test against England begins in Perth on November 21. The first few rounds of the Sheffield Shield will be crucial in confirming selections in the Australian XI.

Will R Ashwin play in the 2025/26 BBL?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will R Ashwin play in the 2025/26 BBL?

Ravichandran Ashwin could become the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), with discussions underway for the upcoming season.

While the complete details of this development are yet to come out, CA is weighing options on how to accommodate Ashwin, given that most teams have already exhausted their salary caps in the draft. A bespoke deal similar to the per-match contract offered to David Warner previously is under consideration. Speculation suggests Ashwin could be Melbourne-bound, but no final call has been taken.

CA Todd Greenberg: R Ashwin would be great for the BBL

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed that he had approached Ashwin shortly after the veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) last week. Ashwin, who had hinted earlier at exploring overseas franchise cricket, is now being viewed as a potential marquee signing for the BBL.

“To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels. He’s a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer,” Greenberg said to Cricbuzz.

The league has struggled to consistently attract top overseas names, and an Indian cricketer of his calibre with multiple IPL titles and World Cup victories would significantly boost its global reach, particularly in South Asia.

Ashwin announced his IPL retirement after a 16-year-long career, closing a chapter that began with Chennai Super Kings in 2009. His final appearance also came in the yellow jersey this year after CSK bought him back for Rs 9.75 crore following a decade-long gap. Over the course of 221 matches, he picked 187 wickets at an average of 30.22 and contributed 833 runs with the bat.

The 38-year-old had earlier retired from international cricket during India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia, finishing as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps, behind only Anil Kumble.

If the deal materialises, Ashwin’s move to the BBL will be a landmark moment for Indian cricketers’ participation in global franchise cricket.

Is The Hundred trying to be like the IPL? Jordan Cox comments

Tarkesh Jha
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Is The Hundred trying to be like the IPL? Jordan Cox comments

Jordan Cox, top run-scorer for the Oval Invincibles and crowned Men’s Player of the Tournament in The Hundred 2025, argues the match should stay true to its 100-ball roots.

Jordan Cox hopes The Hundred remains as is

Cox made a bold statement about The Hundred tournament, “I absolutely love the format. I think it’s the best format.” He warned against chasing IPL-style appeal, stating plainly, “You’re never going to be better than the IPL. What’s the point in trying to change it to be second-best? This is perfect for English cricket. Just keep it the same. Friends, families, and kids love to come and watch. Why ruin it?”

For him, preserving the format means preserving what sets The Hundred apart in English cricket, i.e. its pace, accessibility, and family-friendly vibe.

As ownership shifts bring in fresh money and a push for radical changes, auctions, rebranding, and even a format switch, Cox remains firm that this competition works precisely because it’s different.

The Hundred was conceived as a distinct product to engage new audiences, particularly younger fans who may not have the patience for longer formats. Its 100-ball structure, shorter match times, and emphasis on entertainment were designed to complement, not compete with, global T20 tournaments. The formula has delivered packed stadiums, a vibrant atmosphere, and increased participation from women and children who are central to the growth of the sport in England.

Cox’s comments echo the concerns of many players and fans who fear that a change to T20 could dilute the brand’s uniqueness. While financial incentives from private investors are tempting, there is also the danger of alienating the very audience that The Hundred successfully brought into cricket.

Cricket boards worldwide have often grappled with balancing tradition, innovation, and commercial interests. England, too, stands at such a crossroads. “This format is ours. It belongs to English cricket,” he said, saying that The Hundred offers something no other league does.

Why did Mitchell Starc retire from T20 Internationals?

Charbel Coorey
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Why did Mitchell Starc retire from T20 Internationals?

Mitchell Starc is the first member of Australia’s fast-bowling “big three” to finish up from a format, announcing his retirement from T20 Internationals. The 35-year-old made the call to prolong his Test and ODI career.

The timing of the call can be an eyebrow raiser for some, but Starc confirmed he made the decision so Australia can prepare accordingly for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Mitchell Starc on retiring from T20 Internationals: Test cricket my biggest priority

In a statement, Starc spoke fondly of the 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, where the men’s team won their first title in the shortest format. He also reiterated his love for Test cricket and goal of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way.

“Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns.

“It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”

Starc finishes with 79 wickets in 65 matches, second only to Adam Zampa in terms of wickets for Australia in T20Is.

“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” said selection chief George Bailey.

“He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup winning side and, as across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket taking ability.

“We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible.”

How will Australia lineup in the T20I series in New Zealand?

Australia’s next assignment is three T20Is in New Zealand. Pat Cummins is ruled out due to a lumbar bone stress issue in his back. Nathan Ellis will also miss the series due to paternity leave, while Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris are also injured.

The likes of Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott may form a core part of the attack that tours New Zealand. The three-match series begins on October 1.

Australia’s squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Rahul Dravid exits RR: What led to the sudden departure?

Tarkesh Jha
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Rahul Dravid exits RR: What led to the sudden departure?

Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise confirmed that while he was offered a broader strategic role following a structural review, Dravid declined and chose to exit.

His return to the Royals in 2025 came with high hopes, being a revered figure in Indian cricket and a former player, captain, and mentor within the franchise. Also, he rejoined after guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.

Why did Rahul Dravid leave RR ahead of the IPL 2026 season?

But the 2025 IPL campaign turned sour. The Royals managed just four wins in 14 matches and finished ninth. That poor record, combined with internal tensions, appears to have tested Dravid’s position.

As per the reports, disagreements over the succession plan for team captaincy played a pivotal role. While Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal were in the running for leadership, stalwart Sanju Samson was reportedly reluctant to step aside, leaving Dravid caught in a storm.

Despite the off-field noise, the Royals highlighted Dravid’s positive influence on team culture and young players. Yet, his refusal to accept the newly proposed but less-defined role signaled the end of his most recent tenure. The franchise now faces the challenge of filling a leadership vacuum and rebuilding confidence heading into IPL 2026. Dravid’s legacy, built over the years, will endure but the Royals must now redefine their path.

The recent rumours of Samson wanting out also possibly played a part in Dravid’s exit. Prior to IPL 2025, the Kerala batter was likely India’s No. 1 choice opener in the shortest format. With three centuries in T20Is, Samson has been on a roll for the national team, locking in his place in the absences of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

However, a middling IPL campaign, on both the batting and captaincy fronts, resulted in him falling down the pecking order. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar even claimed prior to the Asia Cup that Gill and Abhishek Sharma will be India’s frontline openers, potentially putting Samson’s spot in threat again. That, coupled with him demanding a trade request as per Cricbuzz, resulted in the Royals having to choose between their captain and coach. It seems like they have gone for the former, as of now.

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.

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