Pat Cummins is officially out of the first Ashes Test as he continues his recovery from a stress injury in his back, with Steve Smith set to resume captaining Australia in the series opener against England next month.
Cummins has not bowled since Australia’s 3-0 defeat by the West Indies in July and was in serious doubt for the match in Perth on November 21. After months of speculation over whether he would recover in time, Cricket Australia finally confirmed on Monday that the quick would have to sit out the match at Optus Stadium.
The 32-year-old’s acumen with ball in hand and his presence as a leader on the field will be greatly missed, and with uncertainty remaining over when he will be able to perform again, his absence comes as a blow to Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes urn.
The 32-year-old has resumed running and “expects to return to bowling soon”, CA said on Monday, although no exact date has yet been set for an eventual return to full fitness.
Cummins has previously indicated he wants to bowl for four full weeks before returning to the starting XI, meaning the second Test in Brisbane starting on December 4 would be a realistic target if he can resume bowling in the next week or so.
Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in the wake of the 2018 sandpaper scandal, has since made six appearances for Australia as vice-captain to Cummins since the bowler took up the role in November 2021. Smith has a better batting average as captain (68.98), compared to when he was not in the role (49.9).
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Cummins’ absence is likely to pave the way for Victorian quick Scott Boland to come into the team and partner Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for at least the first Test. Australia coach Andrew McDonald was due to speak to the media in Canberra later on Monday.
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