Australia’s ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the three-match series against India after the scans didn’t show a positive result. He is currently down with back issues that he sustained during the West Indies Test series. He is already out of the T20I against New Zealand and is doubtful for eight matches against the Men in Blue, which includes five T20Is as well.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the pacer went for scans on Monday, and the discussion on the result with CA’s chief medical officer, Dr John Orchard, team doctor Leigh Golding, and physio Nick Jones, will take some time. Cummins will be rested depending on the seriousness of the injury. It can’t be confirmed whether he would be fit for the Ashes, but the possibility of him not playing from the start can’t be ruled out.

“He may miss all the white-ball matches before the Ashes and could also be rested for the Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales. He is already out of the T20I matches against New Zealand,” the report said.

The decision makers may take a cautious approach with the speedster, considering the Ashes against England.

“The Australian selectors and medical staff may have some concern as he turned sore despite bowling fewer overs in the West Indies series,” the report added.

Cummins’ absence could be good news for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. They will be returning to international action for the first time since the Champions Trophy.

With no Cummins in the Australian side, the situation would favour Kohli and Rohit, who could be competing in their last series, if a report in Dainik Jagran is to be believed. Cummins has an impressive track record against Virat and Rohit in international cricket.