Follow UsAustralia have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth, with their Test captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the first Test against Ben Stokes’ England, starting November 21. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the side, confirmed head coach Andrew McDonald.
Cummins, who is still recovering from a back stress injury, has yet to resume bowling but is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the second Test - the day-night encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 4.
The right-arm pacer last featured in the Test series against the West Indies in July, where he sustained the injury. Since then, he has missed all international assignments, including the white-ball series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.
We've run out of time [to make the opener]. We flagged this a week or so ago that it will take four-plus weeks to get him up and running. We've run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match,” said McDonald.
“He'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step. That was the big variable that we wanted to add in. We're on the journey to that second Test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome.”
“Patty will be around the group as well, he'll come to Perth... and it'll almost be one of those things where you'll see him and it'll almost be a question of, 'Why isn't he playing in Perth?' That's where we think he'll be placed by that stage.”
Meanwhile, Cameron Green, who missed the ODI series against India due to side soreness, has resumed bowling and is set to feature for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield this week. However, it remains unclear whether he will actually bowl in that match.
Despite Cummins’ absence, Australia will take comfort in having a proven leader in Steve Smith, who has captained the side in 40 Tests, averaging close to 70 with the bat in those matches.
“We're incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain. They're a good working sort of couple, so to speak. They work well together and there'll be a nice handover,” added McDonald.
Cummins’ injury opens the door for Scott Boland, who boasts an outstanding home average of 12.63 with the ball, to feature in the playing XI for the first Test. “Losing your captain's not ideal, but when you talk about Scott Boland being the potential replacement, it's not a bad position to be in,” McDonald said.
“Ideally, we want the captain available for stability and decision-making. But Steve Smith will slide into that position. You get excited about when [Cummins] does come back, what an injection that will be to the group — a fully-fit Pat Cummins returning at some stage during the Ashes, and that's what we're hopeful for.”