Australia captain Pat Cummins has been officially ruled out of the first Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series against England, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. The 32-year-old fast bowler is recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury and has not sufficiently recovered in time for the November 21 Test in Perth. However, medical staff remain optimistic that Cummins could return by the second Test in Brisbane.
Injury & Recovery
Cummins has been managing lower-back discomfort since the home series against the West Indies. Recent scans revealed a level of lumbar bone stress that requires careful management.
Despite an intensive rehabilitation program, Cricket Australia’s medical team concluded that he has “run out of time” to be match-fit for the opener.
Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins is expected to resume bowling later this week as part of his build-up.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
McDonald expressed cautious optimism about Cummins’ recovery:
“We flagged it, that four-plus weeks to get him up and running, we’ve just run out of time. But we are really optimistic for the second Test.”
He also acknowledged the leadership gap:
“Losing your captain is not ideal … but when you think about Scott Boland being the potential replacement, it’s not terrible.”
Cummins himself has admitted his recovery has been slow. He told reporters that while he’s started running, he hasn’t yet begun bowling, and that fully returning in time for the first Test was “tight.”
In a separate interview earlier in the rehabilitation process, Cummins said he was willing to “be a bit aggressive” with his recovery to play in the Ashes.
Impact on Australia’s Ashes Campaign
Cummins’ unavailability for the opener is a significant blow. As captain and strike bowler, he has been central to Australia’s Test strategy, including their recent World Test Championship success and key Ashes performances.
In his absence, Steve Smith is expected to lead the side in Perth. The bowling attack is likely to lean on Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and possibly Scott Boland, who McDonald pointed to as a viable replacement.
England, meanwhile, may gain early confidence with Cummins missing, but Australia’s bowling depth remains a strength.
Return Timeline & Selection
Cummins is expected to resume bowling later this week, according to McDonald.
Cricket Australia is targeting a return by the second Test, scheduled for December 4–8 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Cummins will travel with the squad to Perth, even though he won’t play, signaling CA’s hope he remains part of the Ashes campaign.
The final playing XI for the first Test is yet to be confirmed, but Boland is the frontrunner to step in.
Why It Matters
Cummins is not just a strike bowler but also Australia’s Test captain, meaning his absence affects both leadership and bowling potency.
The decision to manage his return carefully shows Australia prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.
His comeback timing could be crucial for Australia to maintain momentum in the Ashes, especially if he plays a role from the second Test onwards.
