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Pat Cummins ruled out of Ashes opener in Perth; Steve Smith to lead Australia against England

Rajgeeta Yadav

Steve Smith to lead Australia [Source: AFP]Steve Smith to lead Australia [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Test match of the upcoming Ashes series against England, which starts on November 21 in Perth. On Monday, Cricket Australia confirmed the news, announcing that former captain Steve Smith will take charge of the team in Cummins’ absence.

The 32-year-old pacer has been out of action since July, when Australia beat the West Indies 3-0. He suffered a lower back stress injury and has been recovering for the past three months. 

Although he has started running again, Cricket Australia said he won’t be fully fit in time for the opening match at Optus Stadium. However, they are hopeful he can return for the second Test, which begins in Brisbane on December 4.

Head coach gives update on Cummins' injury 

Head coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins is close to returning to bowling and could start net sessions 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 told reporters in Canberra.

"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."

The news is a major setback for Australia, as Cummins has been a key figure in the team’s bowling attack and leadership. However, his absence opens the door for pacer Scott Boland, who is likely to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace lineup for the Perth Test. 

Notably, Boland has an impressive record in home Tests, taking 49 wickets in nine matches at an average of 12.63.

With Smith returning as captain, Australia will look to maintain their strong form as they aim to retain the Ashes. The five-match series will start in Perth, then move to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.