Pat Cummins doubt to face Afghanistan because of side injury

Seam bowler Pat Cummins is set to miss Australia's World Cup clash with Afghanistan on Wednesday with a side strain.

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Cummins, who has a chequered injury history, reported an issue with his side after the narrow defeat by tournament co-hosts New Zealand, but scans have since revealed "nothing serious".

He will be monitored by the team's medical staff and could be rested against Afghanistan to ensure his availability to face Sri Lanka on Sunday in a match that will go a long way to deciding quarter-final seedings.

Cummins gave Australia a scare earlier in their dramatic one-wicket loss against the Kiwis when he went over on his ankle in delivering his fourth ball at Eden Park in Auckland.

He was able to get up quickly and eventually took 2-38 in his 6.1 overs but suffered the ignominy of giving up the match-winning runs when Kane Williamson hit him back over his head for six.

Josh Hazlewood would most likely replace Cummins if he is unable to face Afghanistan and Australia could also have all-rounder James Faulkner back.

Faulkner is yet to feature at the World Cup because of a side strain he suffered in the final of the Carlton Mid Tri-Series against England on February 1.

"I'm going to bowl half a dozen overs today and if I get through that, I'll be available for selection and hopefully I'll get picked," he said at Monday's press conference in Perth.

"I've been batting since two or three days after the injury to be brutally honest. Being a right-handed batter and left-handed bowler, it's not the same side."

Watch Australia v Afghanistan live on the red button on Sky Sports World Cup from 6:30am and then on Sky Sports World Cup from 9;00am.