Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has outlined a recovery plan for his lumbar bone stress injury, aiming to resume bowling in four to six weeks after a complete break from the activity and minimal running. The 32-year-old, who experienced soreness during Australia's Test series win against the West Indies two months ago, has been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India. Scans confirmed the injury, prompting Cummins to prioritise rest and rehabilitation, with his focus shifting to a potential return for the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21, potentially skipping domestic Shield matches in the interim.

Cummins emphasised a cautious approach, stating he hasn't finalised exact timelines but expects to start bowling again in at least a month. "I'd imagine (I'd want to be bowling) at minimum a month out, maybe six weeks," he told cricket.com.au, adding that his immediate routine involves limited physical activity. This strategy is designed to ensure a full recovery, allowing him to rejoin the team without risking further setbacks, as Australia manages its bowling resources amid a packed schedule.

Reflecting on the team's depth, Cummins expressed confidence in the squad's ability to cope during his absence. "We feel really well placed... Someone like Jhye Richardson hopefully will be available; there's Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Sean Abbott," he said, highlighting the planning that goes into squad selection. Other options like Scott Boland provide additional cover, ensuring the team remains competitive in both white-ball and red-ball formats leading up to the Ashes.

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As Australia prepares for key international fixtures, Cummins' recovery will be closely monitored, with his leadership and bowling prowess crucial for the team's success. This injury setback underscores the challenges of maintaining player fitness in a demanding cricket calendar, but the availability of experienced backups suggests minimal disruption to Australia's overall strategy.

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