Three Players Who Can Replace Pat Cummins Against New Zealand & India

The Australian summer has already started, and many big series are lined up for the summer. Australia will be taking on England in a five-match Ashes series later this year. Ahead of the summer, a problem has knocked on the door of the Australian board, and they need to find a quick solution, as everything is at stake. Australia's preparations for the crucial Ashes series might be hampered by an injury to their captain Pat Cummins.

Due to repeated stress back fractures, Cummins, who is currently ranked No. 4 in Test bowling rankings, had to wait six years between his first Test in 2011 and his second in 2017. The Australian captain made his Test debut at the age of 18. He is presently the eighth-highest wicket-taker for his country, having taken 309 in 71 Test matches. Not just as a player, Cummins is also one of the best Test captains in the world. He helped the squad win the 2023 World Test Championship.

Pat Cummins Injury Rules Him Out of Upcoming White-Ball Series

Cummins did not play in the white-ball series against South Africa and the West Indies after playing in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa and a three-match away Test series against the West Indies. His injury after Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20Is is a big blow to Australia.

According to reports, scans have revealed that Cummins is dealing with an injury that requires meticulous care. Additional testing is anticipated in the upcoming weeks to determine the full scope of the issue. His workload will thus need to be carefully regulated, and the 32-year-old is probably going to miss the home ODI series against India as well as the T20I series against New Zealand, which starts on October 1.

Pat Cummins injury has now caused the team management a lot of trouble since it has the potential to ruin his career. He is one of the best cricketers in the world and Cricket Australia want him to be fully fit ahead of an important summer. However, ahead of the action, the team will look for a potential replacement until he recovers. Hence, on that note, let’s take a look at 3 players who can replace Pat Cummins for the upcoming Series Against New Zealand & India.

3 Players who can replace Pat Cummins Against New Zealand & India

Xavier Bartlett

Bartlett, the young pacer, will try his best to get a chance for the T20I and ODI series, which will help in get some experience by sharing the dressing room with the likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Xavier is still young and has got limited chance to play for the Aussies. However, since Pat Cummins is not available, this might be a chance for him to show his skills, especially with the new ball.

Xavier Bartlett has played only 4 ODI games and picked up 12 wickets. He has been impressive in his limited international appearances so far and looks good to make it to the senior team on a regular basis. The right-arm quick also has plenty of T20 experience of playing in the Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat and can replace Pat Cummins in the shortest format.

Nathan Ellis

Nathan Ellis made his debut ODI in 2022 against Pakistan. The right arm-pacer hasn't got many opportunities but appears to be taking advantage of whatever he gets. Just like Cummins, he can be the first-change bowler for Australia. During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he got his chance as his name was included in the list of the Australian side.

Ellis was also a vital member of the Australian side that advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy. He picked up three wickets in that tournament. However, ahead of the upcoming series, Australia will again look at Nathan Ellis as he can be a replacement of Pat Cummins. He has an excellent slower ball and can be an excellent option at the death.

Sean Abbott

Sean Abbott is one of the talented fast bowlers in Australia's set-up. Abbott is a dependable bowling all-rounder as he brings handy lower-order batting and consistent pace bowling. His past performance in ODIs and T20Is, along with the tournament experience, makes him a strong like-for-like candidate. He can be a perfect Pat Cummins replacement for the upcoming series.

Playing in 29 ODIs, he has picked up 35 wickets so far. In white-ball cricket, Abbott is a proven match-winner and can bowl at any stage of the game. He might not be as quick as Cummins but he has the skills required to dominate any phase of white-ball cricket. Australia can hope that he can bring his A-game to the fore.