Australia( The COW News Digital )Australia have been dealt a major setback ahead of the Ashes series as captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
According to Cricket Australia, Cummins has not fully recovered in time to participate in the opening match of the five-Test series against England. In his absence, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy duties for the first game.
The announcement comes as a significant blow to Australia’s preparations, with Cummins being not only their leader but also a key figure in the team’s pace attack. The right-arm fast bowler has been recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during the recent home season. While he has started light running sessions, medical staff have advised additional rest before he resumes bowling at full intensity.
Cricket Australia stated that Cummins is expected to return later in the series once he regains full match fitness. “Pat has begun his running program and will gradually progress to bowling soon. We’re optimistic he’ll be available for the second Test,” the board said in its official update.
With Cummins out, Steve Smith’s return as stand-in captain brings a familiar face to leadership — Smith previously captained Australia across all formats before Cummins took over. His leadership experience and strong batting form will be crucial as the hosts look to start the Ashes campaign on a positive note.
Australia are expected to rely on their strong pace reserves, including Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, to fill the void left by their captain. Selectors may also consider bringing in Michael Neser or Jhye Richardson as additional options for the pace lineup.
The Ashes 2025 series, one of cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, will feature five Tests across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the historic contest.
England, led by Ben Stokes, have already begun intensive training camps ahead of their arrival in Australia next month. The visitors are hoping to reclaim the Ashes urn after losing the last two editions.
As the countdown to Perth begins, Cummins’ recovery and Australia’s pace strategy will be under close watch — setting the stage for a gripping start to the Ashes season.
