CUMMINS’ INJURY WOES CONTINUE
Rib problem means no Afghanistan match for pace ace
GURINDER Sandhu would loom as the man most likely for a shock ICC World Cup call-up should injury-prone fast bowler Pat Cummins’ rib problem not improve this week.
The Cummins setback, however minor, is the latest incident in a campaign not quite going to script for Australia.
It means Josh Hazlewood will reclaim his place for the next match against Afghanistan tomorrow in Perth, and beyond that the make-up of the attack remains uncertain.
Scans showed the niggle in Cummins’ side was not serious and the 21-year-old prodigy will be monitored during the week to determine if he will be able to play in Sunday’s clash against Sri Lanka in Sydney.
There is no talk at this stage of a replacement being called in, but Cummins’ extensive injury history would suggest any complaint is reason for concern and great caution.
The drama adds another complication for selectors in a week when they have enough on their hands already.
Hazlewood was dropped from the first-choice XI after failing to deliver in the team’s opener against England at the MCG but no sooner had they given Cummins a shot, he is now unavailable to be picked.
Cummins with 2-38 off 6.1 overs was solid against New Zealand.
Beating Sri Lanka at the SCG is crucial to ensuring Australia remain on the right side of the draw to host a potential semi-final, and by then selectors will want to have settled on close to their best XI.
The time for chopping and changing will be over.
If Cummins cannot prove his fitness for Sunday and a return date remains unclear, there is a possibility selectors could be forced to look for a replacement.
Test matchwinner Ryan Harris is waiting in the background but it appears highly unlikely selectors would go back on their decision to keep their prized quick in cottonwool leading into the Ashes.
Sandhu played in two one-day matches for Australia during January’s India-England tri-series, an indication he is in the frame should a fast bowler go down.