SYDNEY: Australia’s pace spearhead Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month due to a lower-back injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday.
Vice-captain Steve Smith will step in as stand-in skipper for the series opener.
Cummins, who has been out of action since July, was already a major doubt for the match starting November 21. Head coach Andrew McDonald said the 32-year-old had resumed light running and was set to start bowling again this week, raising hopes of his comeback for the day-night second Test in Brisbane beginning December 4.
“It takes more than four weeks to get him back to full intensity, and we’ve simply run out of time. But we’re optimistic and hopeful he’ll be ready for the second Test,”
McDonald told reporters in Canberra.
He added, “Getting him back bowling this week is a big step — we’re on track and confident of a positive outcome.”
Boland likely to step in for Cummins
Cummins has been a mainstay of Australia’s Ashes campaigns since debuting against England in the 2017–18 series, playing a crucial role in regaining and retaining the urn.
McDonald admitted losing both the captain and lead pacer for the series opener was a setback, but said contingency plans were already in place.
While the official squad for the Ashes is yet to be named, Scott Boland is the frontrunner to replace Cummins in the attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
The 36-year-old Boland has had limited Test opportunities due to Australia’s strong pace depth, but has impressed whenever called upon, taking 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 in 14 Tests.
“Having Scott Boland as a potential replacement is a great position to be in,” McDonald said.
“And when Pat returns, it’ll be a massive boost for the squad — a fully fit Cummins will bring great energy to the group.”
Smith returns as stand-in skipper
Smith, who lost the captaincy in 2018 following the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, has since led the side six times in Cummins’ absence and is widely respected for his tactical experience.
“We’re lucky to have someone as experienced as Steve Smith,” McDonald remarked.
“He and Paddy work really well together, and Cummins will travel with the team to Perth as part of the group.”
Mitch Marsh in Test contention
McDonald also hinted that selectors could recall all-rounder Mitch Marsh for the Ashes despite his current white-ball commitments.
“We’d be comfortable picking someone like Mitch Marsh from white-ball cricket if we felt it strengthened the Test side,” he said.
“He’s batting as well as he has in years, and we certainly haven’t closed the door on his Test career.”
