Australia will start the first Ashes test without captain Pat Cummins, who is out due to injury concerns. Steve Smith has been named as his replacement for the upcoming match. Cummins, 32, has been struggling with a back injury for some time, and recent scans revealed that it had not fully healed, leading to his absence from the opening match in Perth next month.
Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism for Cummins’ return in the second Test, highlighting the gradual progress in his recovery. Meanwhile, Steve Smith, the former captain, will step in to lead the team, a role he previously lost following the sandpaper scandal in 2018.
McDonald praised the experienced leadership of Smith and emphasized the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenges. Scott Boland is set to fill Cummins’ spot in the lineup, potentially forming a formidable bowling partnership with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
As the Ashes series unfolds, attention will be on Cummins’ recovery and potential comeback in the later matches. The tournament is scheduled to run until early January, with the final test set for January 3 in Sydney. Joining the WhatsApp community can provide daily updates on Mirror Football content and exclusive offers for community members.