Pat Cummins to miss first Ashes Test, Steve Smith to lead Australia in Perth

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is set to miss the first Ashes Test in Perth due to a back stress injury, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated on Monday.

In his absence, star batter Steve Smith will lead the side for the opening Test, with Cummins now aiming to regain fitness ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, scheduled to begin on December 4.

Cummins has been managing a back injury in recent weeks, and Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that he will not recover in time to take part in the ICC World Test Championship series opener in Perth from November 21.

However, the board remains optimistic about his participation later in the series, noting that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to return to bowling shortly as he works toward proving his fitness.

Head coach Andrew McDonald said, as quoted by cricket.com.au, “We have grappled with it for a little while. The nature of the injury is that you never know, and you are sort of taking it day by day.

“We have run out of time. We flagged this a week or so ago that it would take four-plus weeks to get him up and running. We have run out of time, unfortunately, but I am really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match.

“He will be back bowling this week, and that is a huge step. That was the big variable we wanted to add. We are on the journey to that second Test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome,” he added.

Cummins’ absence is a blow for Australia. In the 2023 drawn Ashes series in the UK, he finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 37.72, with best figures of 6/91. He also made vital contributions with the bat.

His absence in Perth is likely to give Scott Boland an opportunity to partner regular quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, alongside spinner Nathan Lyon.

The first Test will begin on November 21.

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