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

MELBOURNE :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.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday that Cummins had lingering back pain from the West Indies tour and the injury would require ongoing management in the lead-up to the five-test Ashes against England starting on November 21 in Perth.

"Cummins won't be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India or New Zealand and will continue his rehabilitation plan with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation," CA said in a statement.

Cummins has already been rested from a number of white-ball fixtures, including home Twenty20 and One Day International series against South Africa.

While the injury has not been classified as a stress fracture, it is an echo of the back concerns that hampered his early career.

Cummins had to wait over five years for a second test following his stunning 2011 debut against South Africa when he took seven wickets in Johannesburg as an 18-year-old.

Since his return in 2017 he has become one of Australia's most durable players, missing just two tests through injury during his tenure as captain.

His absence would be a major blow to Australia's Ashes hopes, despite Victoria paceman Scott Boland being a worthy stand-by option.

Cummins has taken 91 wickets against England from 19 tests at an average of 24.10.

In nine tests on home soil, he has been even more devastating, taking 44 wickets at an average of 21.50.

Cummins' injury was revealed