Ashes blow: Injured Cummins misses opening Test

Skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series in Perth after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back.

The issue, described by Cricket Australia as “manageable but significant,” has forced him to miss recent white-ball matches against New Zealand and India as part of a workload management plan. While team officials remain hopeful he will play a “substantial part” in the series, his availability for all five Tests is uncertain.

In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland likely to strengthen the pace attack. The setback echoes earlier back troubles that sidelined Cummins early in his career, raising concerns over his durability in a demanding home Ashes summer.

Oct 2025