Pat Cummins might be ruled out of Ashes 2025; Steve Smith likely to lead Australia: Report

Steve Smith could lead AUS in all 5 Tests of Ashes 2025 [Source: AFP]

In a massive setback for Australia, Test captain Pat Cummins is highly doubtful for all five Tests against England in the upcoming Ashes series. The seasoned campaigner is racing against time to get fit for the series, which holds historical significance for Australia and England. 

Back stress injury jeopardises Cummins' Ashes participation

It's worth mentioning that Pat Cummins sustained a back stress injury during Australia's tour of the West Indies and missed the subsequent international assignments. While he missed out on selection for the ongoing tour of New Zealand, Cummins also finds himself out of the Australian squads that will take on the visiting Indian side in eight white-ball matches on home soil.

Although Cummins was hopeful of returning to competitive cricket in the Ashes 2025, his back injury is all set to delay his comeback. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins recently went for scans, which revealed that he has yet to complete his rehabilitation from the injury. 

As the report states, the veteran right-arm speedster is highly unlikely to play the first Test in Perth, starting on November 21. In fact, the severity of his injury suggests that he might miss the entire Ashes 2025. 

Smith to lead, Boland to get in if Cummins misses out

Experienced batter Steve Smith will lead Australia against England if Cummins gets ruled out of the Ashes. In 40 matches as skipper, Smith has led Australia to 23 victories while losing only ten. Meanwhile, Australia's workhorse Scott Boland is the frontrunner to replace Cummins and spearhead the pace battery with the talismanic duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the Ashes 2025. 

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