Australia pacer Pat Cummins in doubt for Afghanistan encounter

Australia pacer Pat Cummins in doubt for Afghanistan encounter

Perth, March 2 (IANS) Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is in doubt for Wednesday's World Cup clash against Afghanistan here after he picked up a side strain during his last match against New Zealand. Cummins scored seven not out off 30 balls and picked up 2-38 from 6.1 overs in Saturday's one-wicket loss to New Zealand in Auckland.

The 21-year-old fast bowler will be monitored by Australia's medical staff this week with his availability for Wednesday's clash against Afghanistan and Sunday's crucial showdown with Sri Lanka to be confirmed, reports cricket.com.au.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson on Monday said Cummins reported an issue after the New Zealand but scans showed "nothing serious". It’s not the first time this has happened to Cummins this summer, slipping in the same fashion bowling for the Sydney Thunder against the Perth Scorchers on New Year’s day in the KFC T20 Big Bash League match at the WACA Ground.

The right-arm quick was playing in his first Word Cup match and sent an early scare through the camp after he went over on his right ankle landing in his delivery stride bowling his fourth ball of the match, but immediately got up and continued to bowl seemingly unimpaired.

Cummins felt a niggle in his side after bowling against NZ on Sat but scans showed nothing serious

— Andrew Ramsey (@ARamseyCricket) March 2, 2015