With Australia gearing up for the highly anticipated Ashes opener against England in Perth on November 21, uncertainty looms over the availability of Test captain Pat Cummins. The pace spearhead is still in rehabilitation for a lower back “hot spot” and hasn’t bowled since his last appearance in Australia’s Test series against the West Indies in July.

As doubts grow around Cummins’ readiness, veteran pacer Mitchell Starc has suggested that if needed, Steve Smith is the ideal candidate to lead the side in Cummins’ absence.

Cummins is yet to receive clearance to resume bowling, and Cricket Australia has remained tight-lipped about his recovery timeline. Despite that, Starc believes his skipper is capable of hitting the ground running – with minimal preparation.

Starc told ESPNcricinfo .

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