Australia’s preparations for the Ashes 2025 have been jolted by reports suggesting that captain and pace spearhead Pat Cummins could be sidelined for the entire five-match series. The 32-year-old has not bowled competitively since mid-July, when he suffered a lumbar bone stress injury during the Test series against the West Indies. Fresh scans have confirmed gradual healing but not enough for an immediate return. With the opening Test scheduled for November 21 in Perth, selectors face a crucial decision—whether to risk their leader or prioritise long-term stability. Sources close to the team have indicated that while Cummins remains under close medical supervision, his participation in any of the matches remains doubtful. Cricket Australia is expected to allow him maximum recovery time, but optimism is fading. Even a late comeback appears remote Read also: Kane Williamson urges Test cricket to expand beyond Big Three Experts Warn Against Rushing Cummins’ Return Former captain Mark Taylor expressed unease about Cummins’ lack of match practice ahead of such a demanding series. On Wide World of Sports, Taylor said, “Pat quite rightly is playing it down because he says he is going to play all five Test matches, but during the week he’s saying he’s not going to play any lead-up games. That’s a worry in itself. He’s got a hot spot in his back — how does he test it out?” Taylor’s apprehension was echoed by former pace legend Brett Lee. On news.com.au Lee said, “You sort of don’t want your premier fast bowler, captain of the Australian cricket team, to be missing any cricket. He’s better off waiting until he is 100 per cent fit because what they don’t want to do is play him in the first Test, 90 or 80 per cent fit, and he goes and injures his back again. Then he’s buggered for the whole summer.”