ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the coming T20I series against Pakistan, Australia will be facing multiple setbacks. Their star bowler Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins are still recovering from injuries. It is very likely that they will miss the tour.
Cummins is an all-rounder and Australia’s captain in all formats. He experienced a stress fracture in his back. He still recovering from it. Due to it he was sidelined before the Ashes.
Cummins, however did make a good comeback in the series. But the team management has decided not to overload him. This is because the calendar is very packed and the T20 World Cup is coming. Giving him rest on the Pakistan tour will protect his long-term fitness. The Australian management is not gambling with their captain’s fitness.
Hazlewood is in an even more delicate situation. His hamstring injury was aggravated by Achilles soreness. He was ruled out of ashes even before the ashes began. He is still in recovery and will not be able to make it for Pakistan series.
It is expected that he will make his recovery by International T20 world cup. The Australian medical staff has advised him to skip the Pakistan series. Hence, he will also not be included in the series.
This means that on the Pakistan tour Australia will be without two of their most important fast bowlers. This will force the Australians to depend on their fringe pacers and bench strength in subcontinental conditions.
The tour will comprise of 3 T20s only. There are no plans to expand the series.
For Australia this series has now become even more important. These matches will be an audition for their back-up bowlers. This tour will be a testing ground. A rare opportunity to see the talents of the backup squad.
Also read: No Mitchell Starc in Australia T20 World Cup squad
