Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out; Starc fit for Pakistan series in UAE

Yet to recover from their back injuries, Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan in UAE in October, leaving Australia with a huge headache.

Yet to recover from their back injuries, Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan in UAE in October, leaving Australia with a huge headache.

Cummins and Hazlewood are currently undergoing a rehab program for their back injuries suffered during their four-match Test series against South Africa in March-April. The duo since then has been out of action and will only return to the field in November. They will turn up for New South Wales in the domestic one-day competition.

"Pat and Josh are progressing well from their lumbar bone stress injuries but are not bowling, so, unfortunately, they will not be at the level required for Test match intensity come October," David Beakley, Australia's physiotherapist, said.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood are expected to get fit for ODI series against South Africa and the India series later this year.

"Barring any setbacks, we are hopeful that Pat and Josh will return via the back-end of the JLT One-Day Cup, with the aim of them being available for the ODI Series against South Africa in November as they build towards the Indian Test Series," he added.

Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is fit and will be making a comeback against Pakistan. Starc last played in the third Test match against South Africa in March.

"Mitchell Starc is back to unrestricted training and remains on track for the Test Series against Pakistan," Beakley added.