Pat Cummins Injury Update: Star Skipper Ruled Out of Ashes Opener vs England

Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Ashes Test against England starting November 21 due to a lumbar bone stress injury. Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Cummins has not recovered in time for the opener but is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane.

The 32-year-old pacer had been nursing the back issue since earlier this year, following the home series against West Indies. Although Cummins has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program, Australia’s medical team and head coach Andrew McDonald have opted for caution to ensure he’s fully fit for the remainder of the series.

Australia Provide Official Update on Pat Cummins’ Recovery

Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins had “run out of time” to make a full recovery before the opening Test. “We flagged it, that four-plus weeks to get him up and running, we’ve just run out of time. But we are really optimistic for the second Test,” McDonald told reporters.

He also revealed that Cummins is expected to resume bowling later this week. “Losing your captain is not ideal, but when you think about Scott Boland being the potential replacement, it’s not terrible,” he added, signaling that Boland could step into the XI for the opener in Perth.

Steve Smith will take charge of the Australian team in Cummins’ absence, marking his latest stint as stand-in captain. Smith last led Australia during the 2023 India tour and is expected to guide the side in the crucial series opener against England.

Two weeks ago, Cummins himself admitted that his recovery was progressing slowly. “Four weeks is pretty tight for me to get fully ready. I’ve started running and pushing myself, but I haven’t started bowling yet. It’ll be a couple more weeks,” he said. Cummins acknowledged that playing all five Tests in the Ashes series might be unrealistic as he carefully manages his workload.

Impact on Australia’s Ashes Campaign

Cummins’ absence is a significant setback for Australia, given his leadership and consistency as a strike bowler. The right-arm pacer has been a key figure in the team’s success over recent years, including the 2023 World Test Championship triumph and the ODI World Cup win later that year.

However, Australia’s pace depth remains strong. Scott Boland, who impressed during the 2021–22 Ashes series with his accuracy and discipline, is expected to fill the void. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the pace attack, while all-rounder Cameron Green adds depth to the lineup.

England, meanwhile, are likely to see this as an early advantage as they prepare for the high-stakes opener. But with Australia’s lineup boasting depth and experience, the contest remains finely balanced heading into the series opener in Perth.

While Pat Cummins’ injury update brings disappointment for fans, Australia’s medical staff remain hopeful he’ll return fully fit for the second Test. His leadership and bowling prowess will be vital as Australia aim to retain the Ashes on home soil.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Pat Cummins injury update?

Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a lumbar bone stress injury. He is targeting a return for the second Test in Brisbane.

Q2: Who will captain Australia in the first Ashes Test?

Steve Smith will lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for the opening Test against England.

Q3: Who could replace Cummins in the playing XI?

Scott Boland is the likely replacement, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood leading the attack.

Q4: When does the Ashes 2025 series begin?

The 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England begins on November 21, with the first Test in Perth.

Q5: How serious is Cummins’ back injury?

Cricket Australia described it as a manageable lumbar bone stress. He is expected to be fit for the rest of the series.