Australian skipper Pat Cummins is set to miss the first Ashes Test in Perth due to a back stress injury, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated on Monday.

In his absence, star batter Steve Smith will lead the side for the opening Test, with Cummins now aiming to regain fitness ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, scheduled to begin on December 4.

Cummins has been managing a back injury in recent weeks, and Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that he will not recover in time to take part in the ICC World Test Championship series opener in Perth from November 21.

However, the board remains optimistic about his participation later in the series, noting that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to return to bowling shortly as he works toward proving his fitness.

Head coach And

See Full Page