Australia’s premium fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be playing the 3-match T20 series against India as he will be returning to Australia to prepare for the upcoming Ashes tour.

The Australian team management has decided to do so as four years ago when Mitchell Johnson was rested from India’s tour, he ended up taking 35 wickets in Ashes which also resulted in Australia’s 5-0 whitewash over England.

However, Cummins’ replacement for T20I series will be announced later on as the national selector Trevor Hohns said, “Pat has played a considerable amount of cricket this year after a long period away from the game due to injury.”

He further added, “His body has handled the return to international cricket well, but we believe the best plan for him ahead of the Ashes Series is to return home to refresh, both mentally and physically, before he prepares for Sheffield Shield cricket.” 

Currently, Cummins is leading the Australian pace attack in the absence of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and James Pattinson, who are all sustaining injuries. He is expected to bear the major burden along with Nathan Coulter-Nile in the ongoing ODI series.