India, Oct. 8 -- Australia's hopes of retaining the Ashes have taken a major hit with captain Pat Cummins now in serious doubt for the entire five-Test series against England. According to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald, fresh scan results have revealed that Cummins' back stress injury has not fully healed, putting his participation in the marquee series in jeopardy.

The 32-year-old fast bowler underwent a follow-up scan last week to assess his recovery progress. Sources with knowledge of the situation told the SMH that while the stress "hot spot" in his back is healing, it has not improved enough to allow him to resume bowling. As a result, Cummins has already been ruled out of the Ashes opener in Perth, starting November 21, and...