Australia skipper Pat Cummins is likely to miss the Ashes series opener against England, which will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth from 21 to 25 November.
Cummins, who is recovering from a stress injury in his lower back, remains in doubt for the first Test of the home summer. Six weeks from now, Australia and England will lock horns in one of the most high-profile series in the history of the sport. As it stands, the Australian captain has not yet resumed bowling. According to reports in the Australian media, Cummins will need a minimum of four to six weeks of training to get his body ready for the demands of Ashes cricket.
“Cummins, who had previously expressed confidence that he would be able to play a significant part in the series, is no chance for the opener in Perth, starting on 21 November, and may even miss all five Tests, leaving Steve Smith as the likely stand-in skipper to face Ben Stokes’ England team,” The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Earlier, Cummins had planned to play Sheffield Shield matches ahead of the Ashes to get back into rhythm. However, his recovery is taking longer than expected.
Although it is not yet official, if Cummins is ruled out of the Perth Test, it would be a huge blow for the hosts. Against arch-rivals England, the Australian pace spearhead has taken 91 wickets in 19 Tests at a strike rate of 45.73. His tally includes two five-wicket hauls.
If Cummins is unavailable, Smith would take over the captaincy in his absence, while Scott Boland is expected to bolster the fast-bowling attack.
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