Australian fast-bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the upcoming winter series against South Africa A.

The cricketer showed promise when he first burst on to the scene against South Africa in 2011, but his career has since been plagued by a spate of injuries. He has played only 18 ODI’s since his debut against South Africa at Centurion. His last and only Test match was also during that summer.

It was hoped that the paceman would make a return to competitive international cricket next month after suffering the injury against England in September. Cricket Australia’s national selector Rod Marsh says they have decided to take a cautious approach to his recovery and want to ease him back into the intensity of competitive cricket.

‘Pat is going really well with his rehabilitation but is unlikely be ready to play at full match intensity during the Australia A tour,’ said Marsh.

The winter series will kick off with Australia A playing two four-day matches against South Africa A – from July 30 to August 2 and August 6 to 9. Followed by a four-team quadrangular one-day series also including India A and a National Performance Squad between August 13 and September 4.

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