Australia’s cricket team will start the upcoming Ashes test series without their captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a persistent back injury. Steve Smith has been named as his replacement for the first match against England. Concerns had arisen earlier about Cummins possibly missing the entire series, but the injury, while significant, will only keep him out of the opening test in Perth next month.
Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, expressed optimism for Cummins’ return by the second test, highlighting the bowler’s progress in recovery. Former captain Steve Smith will take the reins in Cummins’ absence, a role he previously held before his involvement in the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
McDonald praised the team’s readiness with Smith as captain and mentioned the potential replacement, Scott Boland, who is set to join the pace attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the first test. The team is looking forward to Cummins’ return later in the series.
The Ashes series will span until early January, culminating in the final test in Sydney on January 3. Australia will monitor Cummins’ recovery closely as they prepare for the subsequent tests following the opener in Perth. Brendan McCullum has already announced his squad for the initial test, while the final squad selection for the hosts is pending.
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