Cummins made his return during the third Ashes test in Adelaide but missed the final two matches against England and will also sit out Australia’s T20 warm-up games against Pakistan.
Selectors’ chief George Bailey confirmed that pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, and explosive batter Tim David will also be rested for the three-match series against Pakistan in Lahore, which begins on January 29.
Hazlewood has been recuperating from hamstring and Achilles issues, while David has been dealing with a hamstring strain.
Bailey mentioned that David experienced a minor setback in his recovery last week but is anticipated to be fit for the start of the World Cup alongside Hazlewood. The tournament is scheduled from February 7 to March 8.
“Pat’s a little bit different … he’ll probably join that World Cup group a little bit later in the tournament, around game three or four,” Bailey told reporters on Monday.
Fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards may make their international debuts after being named in a 17-man squad for the Pakistan series released on Monday.
“The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection, and some young players we rate highly, for valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” said Bailey.
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
