Home / Sports / Cummins Out! Smith Leads Australia in Ashes Opener
Cummins Out! Smith Leads Australia in Ashes Opener
18 Nov
Summary
- Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to injury.
- Steve Smith will captain Australia in the series opener.
- Cummins is expected to return for the second Test match.
Australia's crucial Ashes series against England commences with a significant setback as captain Pat Cummins has been declared unavailable for the opening Test. A persistent lower-back injury has led to the decision, with medical staff advising against his participation in the intense series opener. Steve Smith is set to step in as captain for the first Test, a role he has previously held.
The Australian team anticipates Cummins' full recovery and return for the second Test, scheduled to begin on December 4. His absence means Australia will be without their frontline fast bowler and leader for the highly anticipated first match in Perth. This presents an immediate tactical challenge for the home side as they aim to retain the Ashes.
The series holds considerable weight, with England aiming to break a decade-long drought of Test victories on Australian soil. Australia, having held the Ashes since 2017, enters the contest as the reigning champions. Key players on both sides, including England's Joe Root and Ben Stokes, and Australia's Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, will be central to the unfolding drama.
