Pat Cummins Likely to Sit Out Ashes Opener: Reports

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, is expected to miss the beginning of the Ashes Test series and potentially the entire series. A report from the Sydney Morning Herald indicates that recent scans reveal Cummins’ back stress injury has not fully healed yet. Though the 32-year-old’s stress hot spot is improving, it hasn’t sufficiently cleared to allow him to resume bowling. With Cummins missing at least part of the highly anticipated series against the Ben Stokes-led England team, starting November 21, Steve Smith is likely to be appointed as the interim captain.

Cummins’ last appearance was during the 3-0 Test series sweep against the West Indies in July. He was unavailable for Australia’s recent white-ball matches against South Africa and New Zealand and will also miss the forthcoming ODIs and T20s against India. Scott Boland is expected to fill in as the third pace bowler in Australia’s lineup, alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia has retained the Ashes since 2018, while England aims to secure a Test victory on Australian soil for the first time since 2011.

Also read: Australia squad for India series

Published on October 8, 2025.