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Injured Cummins returns home

Pat Cummins walks back to his mark Getty Images

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has returned home from the A tour to South Africa to assess a lower rib/back injury. Cummins played two first-class matches on tour - including one against Zimbabwe Select in Harare - and one match of the one-day tri-series against India A.

"Pat reported some left rib/back pain during the Australia A game against India A last week," Australia A physiotherapist Kevin Sims said. "With only Wednesday's final remaining in the series, the decision was made for him to return to Australia to assess the injury."

Cummins, 20, has had a history of injuries that have curtailed his participation for Australia in several international series. In June, he toured England with the A team after being sidelined for nine months with a back injury. He had complained of stiffness during the Champions League in South Africa in October last year, where he turned out for Sydney Sixers. He was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back on his return home.

Cummins made his international debut aged just 18 on Australia's tour of South Africa in October 2011. His first, and to date only, Test at the Wanderers included 6 for 79 in the second innings, earning him the Man-of-the-Match award in a narrow Australian victory.

He has also impressed in five ODIs, including playing England at Lord's last year, and had a successful World T20 in Sri Lanka where he claimed six wickets at 32.83 to help Australia to the semi-final.