Cricket-Cummins' back injury deals a blow to Australia's Ashes preparations

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 11, 2025 Australia's Pat Cummins celebrates taking the wicket of South Africa's Wiaan Mulder Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australia's preparations for their Ashes defence have taken a hit with captain Pat Cummins struggling with a lower back issue and given no return-to-play timeline.

The 32-year-old fast bowler has been ruled out of upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India after scans revealed signs of lumbar bone stress.