Reports: Pat Cummins to miss India ODIs due to wrist injury

In a major blow for the Australian team, several reports recently emerged that stated that skipper Pat Cummins could be missing the upcoming ODI series against India just ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to begin on October 5. 

The reports stated that Cummins injured his wrist on the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test, but played through the game with the injury. The ODI series against India is scheduled to begin on September 22, and Cricket Australia has yet to give an update on the nature of the skipper’s injury. 

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Cricket Australia has not ruled out a possible fracture as well. If the same is confirmed, then Cummins’ absence could put a major dent in the side’s plans going into the 2023 World Cup.

Cummins recently took a break from the sport to be with his ailing mother during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 but quickly returned to win the World Test Championship final against India and compete in the Ashes 2023 as well.

Cummins had a decent Ashes series with ball, Marsh likely to lead Australia in his absence

Cricket Australia are expected to announce their white-ball squad for their clashes against South Africa and India. Furthermore, if Cummins does end up missing out on the white-ball series, then the Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is expected to lead the Aussies. 

Notably, Australia will be taking on South Africa for three T20Is and five ODIs starting on August 30, which will be followed by the India tour. Ahead of the World Cup, the Aussies will be hopeful that Cummins can return to the squad fully fit.

Speaking of his performances, Cummins did his job in the recently concluded Ashes 2023. Under his leadership, the Aussies got off to the perfect start to the series, winning the first two matches of the series. The pacer took 18 wickets throughout the series and finished in fourth place in the list of highest wicket-takers of the series. Furthermore, he scored 162 runs in nine innings, which included a match-winning knock in the first Test.