Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming Ashes Series, with captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Test against England due to a back injury.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Cummins has been battling a back injury in recent times and Cricket Australia confirmed the skipper will not be fit in time to feature in the ICC World Test Championship series opener in Perth from November 21.
In his absence, former skipper Steve Smith to lead the side as captain, while Cummins targets a return for the second Test in Brisbane from December 4.
Cricket Australia confirmed Cummins has resumed running and is expected to return to bowling shortly in a bid to prove his fitness.
Cummins’ absence in Perth will likely allow Scott Boland the chance to partner regular quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, alongside spinner Nathan Lyon.
