Pat Cummins Faces Back Injury Threatening Ashes Start
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins appears unlikely to take part in the opening Test of the Ashes in Perth on November 21, after fresh scans showed his back stress problem had not yet cleared. The setback raises the real possibility that Cummins could miss the entire five-match series against England, leaving Steve Smith as the most probable stand-in captain for the early fixtures.
What the Latest Scans Show
Two people with knowledge of confidential discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Cummins underwent a follow-up scan last week to gauge progress ahead of Australia’s Test summer. While the scan indicated the stress “hot spot” was healing, it had not cleared sufficiently for him to bowl in competitive play. The update is seen as a significant setback for Cummins and Australia, complicating their plans for a tightly scheduled Ashes campaign.
Impact on Australia’s Ashes Plans
With Cummins unavailable for the Perth opener, Australia’s bowling attack will rely on Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to spearhead the pace battery, with Scott Boland likely to be the third quick. Boland has been a reliable option in recent summers, and his inclusion would be a familiar boost to Australia’s rhythm in English conditions. The absence of Cummins also raises questions about who would lead the side on the field in his stead during the early Tests.
Steve Smith Steps Into a Leadership Role
Steve Smith is widely expected to assume the captaincy responsibilities if Cummins cannot recover in time for the start of the Ashes. Smith has captained Australia in the past and is known for his sharp cricket mind, but leading a side against England’s pace attack without Cummins would be a substantial challenge.
The Road Ahead for Cummins
A best-case recovery could see Cummins return to the field in the later stages of the Ashes, aligning with a scenario similar to how Scott Boland has reinforced Australia’s pace corps in recent summers. The timing is critical, as a late return could compress preparation and affect match readiness in a series renowned for its bat-and-ball balance and tactical warfare.
Historical Context and England’s Position
Australia has held the Ashes urn since 2018, with England seeking a breakthrough on Australian soil not achieved since 2011. The news that Australia’s strongest leader and pace spearhead may miss the start of the series represents a meaningful advantage for England, though the broader context of the tournament still favors a tightly contested contest on Australian soil.
Cummins’ Own Reflections
As of prior comments, Cummins had stressed a desire to push through, balancing aggression with cautious rehab. “We’ll be doing everything we can to be right for that, and make a few decisions a little bit closer, but I’m confident we’ll do the rehab right and give it a good crack,” he said previously. He noted the aspiration to play as much of the Tests as possible but acknowledged the vulnerabilities that come with fast-bowling workloads and long series against England.
What This Means for Fans and Analysts
Cricket Australia’s decision to withhold comment underscores the uncertainty surrounding a high-stakes summer. For fans, the prospect of an Ashes without Cummins introduces new variables in team planning, selection, and on-field leadership. Analysts will be watching closely how Australia navigates the pace battery and whether a late return for Cummins is feasible while maintaining his long-term health.
More updates are expected as medical teams monitor Cummins’ progress and Australia finalizes its selection plans ahead of the Perth Test and the broader Ashes series.
