Australian skipper Pat Cummins is likely to face a six-week layoff from cricket due to the wrist injury he sustained during the final test of the high-octane series in England but is likely to lead their team in the South Africa and India series just before the ODI World Cup.
The 30-year-old played all six test matches in the summer leading the team against India in the World Test Championship final followed by 5-match series against England and will miss the three-match T20 series against South Africa and is likely to return to lead the team during the ODI Series against South Africa and India.
Speaking to the media, Australia chief selector George Bailey revealed that Pat Cummins’s injury would take six weeks of rehabilitation and said that the Australian skipper will join the squad during the South Africa series but his participation will depend on his recovery from injury.
“Pat injured his left wrist diving in the field on the first day at The Oval, He has an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks of rehabilitation”.
“We expect him to join the squad during the South African ODI Series. We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign,” George Bailey said.
Pat Cummins has established himself as one of the modern greats in International Cricket winning the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup,2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and 2023 World Test Championship. He will be leading the Australian team in the mega event and he is a much more mature cricketer who can bowl at real speed and also comes in handy with the bat.
There Are Still A Number Of Games He Could Play Before The World Cup – George Bailey
George Bailey is confident of Pat Cummins playing enough games for Australia in the ODI format ahead of the World Cup in India as his form will be crucial for the team’s success in the 50-over World Cup in India.
“There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation,” George Bailey added.
Experienced Australian players David Warner, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc would look to put in some match-winning performances, as this World Cup could probably be the last World Cup for many Australian stars.