Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the Ashes opener against England in Perth, with Test captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the first match starting November 21. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins’ absence.
Cummins is still recovering from a back stress injury sustained during the Test series against the West Indies in July. The right-arm pacer has not played since then, missing international assignments against South Africa, New Zealand, and India. Although he has resumed light training, Cummins has yet to begin full bowling workloads.
McDonald said the decision to rest Cummins for the Perth Test was made with long-term fitness in mind. “We flagged this a week or so ago that it would take four-plus weeks to get him up and running. We’ve run out of time unfortunately, but we’re really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match,” he explained.
Cummins Targeting Return for the Second Test in Brisbane
Australia remain confident that Cummins will return for the second Test — a day-night encounter at the Gabba starting December 4. “He’ll be back bowling this week, and that’s a huge step. That was the big variable we wanted to add in. We’re on the journey to that second Test, and very hopeful that will be a positive outcome,” McDonald added.
The coach also confirmed that Cummins will still travel with the team to Perth to support the squad. “Patty will be around the group as well, he’ll come to Perth… and it’ll almost be one of those things where you’ll see him and wonder why he isn’t playing. That’s where we think he’ll be by that stage,” McDonald said.
Meanwhile, Cameron Green, who missed the ODI series against India due to side soreness, has resumed bowling and is set to feature for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield this week. However, it remains uncertain whether he will bowl during that match.
Steve Smith Returns as Captain; Boland Likely to Replace Cummins
With Cummins sidelined, Steve Smith will take over as captain for the 41st time in his Test career. Smith boasts a remarkable batting average of nearly 70 when leading Australia. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain. He and Pat work well together, and there’ll be a smooth handover,” said McDonald.
Cummins’ absence also opens the door for Scott Boland, who has an outstanding home bowling average of 12.63, to feature in the playing XI. “Losing your captain’s not ideal, but when you talk about Scott Boland being the potential replacement, it’s not a bad position to be in,” McDonald noted.
While missing their skipper is far from ideal, Australia are confident that Smith’s leadership and the team’s depth will provide stability. McDonald summed it up: “You get excited about when Cummins does come back — what an injection that will be. A fully-fit Pat Cummins returning at some stage during the Ashes is what we’re hopeful for.”
