Injured Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out of Pakistan Tests

Melbourne [Australia] : Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan due to lumbar bone stress injuries.

Confirming the news, Australian team's physiotherapist David Beakley said that the two players are recovering well from the injury, but their fitness level is not up to the required levels.

"Pat and Josh are progressing well from their lumbar bone stress injuries but are not bowling, so, unfortunately, they will not be at the level required for Test match intensity coming October," cricket.com.au quoted Beakely, as saying.
"Barring any setbacks, we are hopeful that Pat and Josh will return via the back-end of the JLT One-Day Cup, with the aim of them being available for the ODI Series against South Africa in November as they build towards the Indian Test Series," he added.

Meanwhile, Beakley also reflected on fast bowler Mitchell Starc's return. He assured that Starc has been training regularly and is likely to be considered for the Pakistan tour.

"On a positive note Mitchell Starc is back to unrestricted training and remains on track for the Test Series against Pakistan," he said.

Earlier, Starc, who is recovering from a tibial bone stress fracture in his right leg, had said that he is very much available for the Test series.

Australia are slated to take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this October.