Australia Faces Another Major Setback After Mitchell Starc's Retirement

Australia are moving towards an important period of cricket, but the mood is not positive for them as the team is going through some extreme and difficult transitions and setbacks. The team is preparing for the upcoming white-ball series against two of the best cricket teams in the world, New Zealand and India, yet they are already facing setbacks.

Earlier today, fast bowler Mitchell Starc retired from T20 Internationals to focus on Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup. His decision to step away from the shortest format marked the end of an era, as Starc had been one of Australia’s most impactful bowlers in T20 cricket. Soon after this development, the team suffered another major blow with their key player's injury setback.

Pat Cummins Injury: Australia Captain Ruled Out

Pat Cummins, the Test captain and one of Australia’s most consistent performers, has been ruled out of the team's upcoming white-ball series due to an injury problem. The injury means he will not play in the Australia tour of New Zealand 2025, as well as the India tour of Australia 2025. For a side that depends on Cummins not only for his bowling but also for leadership, this absence has created serious concern.

Cummins has been sidelined due to a back injury that has raised concerns among team management and selectors. The scans did not show a fracture, but the medical staff described the condition as significant enough to demand rest. Cricket Australia confirmed that the 32-year-old will not take part in Australia's upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India.

Officials stated that the decision was made to protect Cummins from long-term damage and ensure he is fully fit for the Ashes series starting in November 2021. Cummins' workload has been heavy as he has bowled close to 100 overs in recent Test matches across England and the Caribbean. It has affected his back, leading to the current level of lumbar bone stress to the back. Pat Cummins back injury is a serious matter of concern for the Aussies. Not only he is the leader of their bowling attack, he is also one of the best Test captains in the world.

Pat Cummins' Long List of Injury Issues

Pat Cummins has a history of back-related issues. Early in his career, repeated stress fractures delayed his development and kept him out of international cricket for long periods. Since 2017, however, he has been kept out of international cricket for long periods. Since 2017, however, he has been a consistent part of Australia’s attack. He has played in almost every Ashes Test and also played a key role in winning the 2023 World Test Championship as well.

His absence from the white ball matches this year will leave a big gap in Australia’s lineup. The fact that it has come after Mitchell Starc retirement further raises concern over Australia's Playing 11. The selectors may look at Scott Boland and other pace options to replace Cummins in the immediate future for the red-ball matches.

Australia's Upcoming White-Ball Series

Australia’s immediate schedule features two major white-ball series. First, the team will face New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting October 1 and ending October 4. Australia's tour of New Zealand 2025 is expected to test their depth, especially in bowling, since both Cummins and Starc are unavailable.

After the New Zealand series, the focus will shift to the India's tour of Australia 2025. India will play three ODIs from October to October 25, followed by five T20Is between October 29 and November 8. Matches will be played on Australian soil, and both teams are expected to use the series as preparation for future global tournaments.
India are likely to bring in senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the GOAT of cricket. Rohit’s experience in leading the side and Kohli’s ability to anchor innings will provide balance against the Australian attack. For Australia, the absence of Cummins adds more pressure on Hazlewood and other bowlers to perform consistently.