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Pat Cummins to miss Australia A series

by Manuj Sharma Wednesday 29 June 2016

The injury woes continues for Pat Cummins as he has been ruled out of the upcoming campaign for Australia A.

©REUTERS / Action Images

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of Austraila A's upcoming home series against India A and South Africa A as the selectors have opted to give him more time to recover from his back injury.

In September 2015, Cummins was ruled out of Australia's tour of Bangladesh after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back, although that tour was subsequently postponed.

Then, in May, Cummins was named in the Australia A squad as the selectors were confident of him recovering in time for the series.

However, national selector Rod Marsh revealed that Cricket Australia (CA) has decided not to rush Cummins back into action and has decided to give him an extra month for his rehabilitation.

"Pat is going really well with his rehabilitation but is unlikely be ready to play at full match intensity during the Australia A tour," said Marsh.

"After discussions with Pat and the medical staff, we have decided to wait an extra month and look for him to return for New South Wales in the Matador Cup."

Cummins first burst onto the international scene with three wickets on his debut in a Twenty20 International against South Africa in October 2011.

Thereafter, he played his only Test a month later and made a lasting impression with six wickets in the second innings, which was instrumental in Australia’s victory in Johannesburg.

However, his career has been plagued with injuries and he has only played 18 One-Day Internationals and 15 T20Is alongside his only Test.

Cummins admitted that it has become harder for him to go through the rehabilitation process with each successive injury.

"It’s all about trying to work out a goal," he said.

"I still get to come in (to Cricket NSW) and train every day and be around cricket.

"So it’s still a pretty good job and lifestyle.

"It’s each little win, each little step – being back in the gym for the first time, back running or having my first bowl – trying to get to that next goal.

"But certainly the more breaks I’ve had the harder it’s gotten."

However, Cummins added that he feels lucky to have the support of CA during his rehabilitation.

"It’s great for me, James Pattinson, a couple of us young bowlers who have had a few injuries, that (Cricket Australia) really look after us.

"They give us good support and they don’t rush us back.

"In terms of me wanting to rush back, they’re more patient than I am, so I’m pretty lucky."

Cummins’ last appearance for Australia was in the fifth ODI against England at Old Trafford in September 2015.