Cummins under injury cloud for Afghan clash

Pat Cummins has picked up a "slight side strain" and is in doubt for Wednesday’s Cricket World Cup clash against Afghanistan in Perth.

Cummins scored seven not out off 30 balls and took 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.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Cummins reported an issue after the New Zealand game on Saturday but scans showed "nothing serious".

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.

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Cummins slip in Auckland looked awkward but the fast bowler continued without issue // Fox Sports

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.

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While Cummins is under an injury cloud, with Josh Hazlewood the man most likely to benefit if he is ruled out, there could be another change in the offiing for Wednesday's WACA clash with the Afghanis after allrounder James Faulkner declared himself fit, pending no issues after Monday's net session.