Huge blow for Australia! Pat Cummins ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26 opener in Perth, doubtful for entire series - Reports

Pat Cummins has been out of the action since the West Indies test series due to back injury.

In what has been the latest development, as per the reports in The Age, it is learned that Australia test skipper Pat Cummins is all set to miss the Ashes 2025-26 opener in Perth. Not only this, there are chances that he might miss the entire series. 

Pat Cummins has been out of action since the West Indies test series, where he suffered a back injury. The fast bowler recently underwent scans and the reports of those weren’t what he expected. The Australia test captain reportedly was told that the stress “hot spot” was healing, but it has not yet cleared up enough for him to bowl.

This means that he is almost certain to miss the first few games of the Ashes 2025-26. Even if he recovers well, there are very slight chances that he might be fit at the back end of the Ashes. This will come as a big blow for the side as not only will they miss their captain but also the premier pacer. 

Steve Smith to captain Australia in the Ashes 2025-26 in the absence of Pat Cummins 

If Pat Cummins misses the series, then it is expected that Steve Smith will lead Australia in the Ashes 2025-26. Smith, who is the vice-captain, has been leading the side in Cummins’ absence and would want to make an impact, helping the team retain the Ashes, which ended in a draw last time. 

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Scott Boland now seems certain to be the third quick in Perth behind Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland has been one of the most threatening pacers going in world cricket and it will be a great opportunity for him to make a major impact in the series. 

Australia have been dominating in the Ashes for the last few years, having retained the urn since 2018. The Australian side will be the favourites to win yet again as England have not won a test on Australian soil since 2011.  

But in the absence of Cummins, England would be fancying themselves to win. The Ben Stokes-led side has already named their squad for the series and with the brand of cricket that they have played over the last few years, it will be a cracker of a series. 

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