Steve Smith has been locked in as Australia’s captain for the opening Ashes Test in Perth after Pat Cummins was officially ruled out as he continues to recover from a back injury.

Cummins had labelled himself an unlikely starter and that has proven a correct assessment just less than a month out from the first of five Ashes Tests despite a return to training.

He’s yet to bowl again and there’s not enough time before the opening Test for him to get back up to speed, but his inclusion at some stage in the series is now looking more likely than not.

“Captain Pat Cummins will not be fit in time for the opening match of the NRMA insurance Ashes Test in Perth. Steve Smith will lead the side in his absence,” a Cricket Australia statement confirmed on Monday morning.

“Cummins has resumed runni

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