Australia will start the upcoming Ashes test series without their captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a back injury. The 32-year-old had been dealing with this issue for some time, and recent scans revealed that he has not fully recovered. While there were concerns that Cummins might miss the entire series, the team confirmed that he will be absent for the opening match in Perth next month.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism for Cummins’ return for the second Test but acknowledged that the timing did not allow for his recovery before the first match. In Cummins’ absence, former captain Steve Smith will step in as the skipper, a role he previously lost due to his involvement in the sandpaper scandal in 2018.
McDonald praised Smith’s leadership qualities and highlighted the seamless transition in captaincy. The team will also have Cummins around the squad to support the players. In the bowling department, Scott Boland is expected to fill Cummins’ spot for the first test alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
The focus now shifts to monitoring Cummins’ progress for a potential return in the second test at The Gabba in early December. While Australia finalizes their squad for the Ashes, Brendon McCullum has already announced his team for the opening match. The Ashes series will run until early January, culminating in the final test in Sydney on January 3.
For more sports content and updates, join our new WhatsApp community and receive daily news from Mirror Sports. Stay informed and engaged with exclusive offers and promotions from us and our partners. Your privacy is important to us, and you can manage your preferences anytime.
