Australia pacer Pat Cummins will miss next month’s first Ashes Test in Perth and Steve Smith will captain in his absence, Cricket Australia said on Monday.
Cummins has been out since July with a lower-back issue and was already doubtful for the series opener against England starting November 21.
Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins has resumed running and is due to start bowling this week, raising hopes the 32-year-old could return for the day–night second Test in Brisbane from December 4.
“It takes four plus weeks to get him up and running, and we’ve run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match,” McDonald told reporters in Canberra.
“He’ll be back bowling this week, and that’s a huge step … so we’re on the journey to that second Test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome
