Cummins ruled out until new year
Pat Cummins joins fellow pacemen Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson on the sidelines after being ruled out until January with a heel injury
Australia paceman Pat Cummins is expected to occupy the sidelines until mid-January after his heel injury was found to be more serious than first thought.
The 18-year-old still managed to take 6-79 and hit the winning runs during the second Test against South Africa despite suffering with the problem and was initially expected back in time for the second Test against New Zealand, which starts on Friday.
However, team doctors have now discovered a bone stress problem - in addition to the ‘fat pad’ that was initially found - will keep Cummins sidelined until the new year, meaning he will miss most of the Test series against India which starts on Boxing Day.
Cummins joins fellow paceman Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson on the sidelines.
Australia physio Alex Kountouris said: “We now believe that Pat has a bone stress injury as well as the ‘fat pad’ injury. This means that his recovery will take longer than first expected. He is not likely to resume bowling until early to mid-January 2012.”
Cricket Australia general manager for team performance Pat Howard added: "The medical staff took a decision that Pat’s recovery versus previous scans did not seem consistent and proactively made the decision that further scans were required.
“These scans have revealed a bone stress injury which pushes out his recovery by a few weeks.
“This wasn’t picked up in the initial scans done in South Africa. Unfortunately this, when combined with Pat's young age to reprepare for Test cricket, means that he will miss much of the India series."
"Whilst unfortunate for Pat, this presents an opportunity for other players which was evident in Brisbane and we will continue to support players to have those quality opportunities.”
