Pat Cummins Ruled Out of Ashes Opener, Steve Smith to Lead Australia
Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming Ashes series as captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Test in Perth next month. Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Steve Smith will lead the side against England in his absence.
Cummins, who has been recovering from a lower-back injury since Australia’s 3-0 whitewash of West Indies in July, failed to regain full fitness in time for the series opener at the Optus Stadium on November 21.
Head coach Andrew McDonald shared an optimistic update, revealing that Cummins has started running and is expected to resume bowling later this week. "It takes four plus weeks to get him up and running, and we've run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second test match," McDonald said. "He'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step, so we're on the journey to that second test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome."
Smith, who has previously captained Australia in six Tests since Cummins took over in 2021, returns to the role once again. "We flip into Steve Smith being the captain, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain himself," McDonald added. "They’re a good working couple, so to speak and Paddy will be around the group as well. So he’ll come to Perth with us, I can declare that."
While the final Ashes squad is yet to be announced, Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins in the playing XI. The 36-year-old pacer has been in fine form, taking 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 in just 14 matches, making him a strong contender for the Perth Test.
Australia will be hoping Cummins returns in time for the day-night second Test in Brisbane starting December 4.
Cummins, who has been recovering from a lower-back injury since Australia’s 3-0 whitewash of West Indies in July, failed to regain full fitness in time for the series opener at the Optus Stadium on November 21.
Head coach Andrew McDonald shared an optimistic update, revealing that Cummins has started running and is expected to resume bowling later this week. "It takes four plus weeks to get him up and running, and we've run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second test match," McDonald said. "He'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step, so we're on the journey to that second test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome."
Smith, who has previously captained Australia in six Tests since Cummins took over in 2021, returns to the role once again. "We flip into Steve Smith being the captain, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain himself," McDonald added. "They’re a good working couple, so to speak and Paddy will be around the group as well. So he’ll come to Perth with us, I can declare that."
While the final Ashes squad is yet to be announced, Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins in the playing XI. The 36-year-old pacer has been in fine form, taking 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 in just 14 matches, making him a strong contender for the Perth Test.
Australia will be hoping Cummins returns in time for the day-night second Test in Brisbane starting December 4.
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