Oz play down Cummins injury

Perth - Cricket Australia responded to reports of an injury to Pat Cummins by saying the 21-year-old pace bowler had picked up a "slight" strain in the one-wicket loss to New Zealand at the Cricket World Cup on the weekend.

On its website, Cricket Australia said Cummins would be monitored ahead of Wednesday's Pool A match against Afghanistan in Perth after medical scans cleared him of any serious problems.

His availability for that match and Saturday's encounter with Sri Lanka will be decided later in the week.

All-rounder James Faulkner could be available for the first time in the tournament after declaring himself fit following a net session on Monday.

Four-time champion Australia thrashed England in its World Cup opener and had a wash out against Bangladesh before Saturday's loss in Auckland.