Cummins ruled out of opening Ashes Test, replaced by Smith

Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Test of the Ashes at Perth.

Coach Andrew McDonald said the team “ran out of time” to get him fully ready, noting he still needs 4+ weeks of bowling before being match-fit.

Steve Smith will captain Australia for the first Test, and there is strong likelihood that Scott Boland will fill Cummins’ pace-bowling spot.

Oct 2025.