Pat Cummins Likely to Miss First Ashes Test Against England

Australia captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the first Ashes Test against England in Perth as doubts grow over his availability for the full five-match series. Cummins has been recovering from a back injury that has not fully healed, with scans showing some improvement but not enough for him to resume bowling. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 21 November.

Absence From Recent Matches

The 32-year-old fast bowler was ruled out of Australia’s recent white-ball series against South Africa and New Zealand. He is also expected to miss the upcoming ODI and T20 matches against India. Cricket Australia has not confirmed whether Cummins will play in the first Ashes Test, as he continues his rehabilitation and works toward regaining match fitness.

Impact on Australia’s Ashes Campaign

Cummins last played during Australia’s 3-0 Test series sweep of the West Indies in July. His absence would be a major setback for Australia, who have held the Ashes since 2018. Without their captain and key pacer, the team may need to adjust its bowling lineup and leadership strategy to remain competitive against England.

Potential Replacements and Leadership

Scott Boland is likely to take Cummins’s place in the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Steve Smith is expected to step in as captain if Cummins is unavailable, having previously led the side on multiple occasions since Cummins was appointed Test captain in November 2021.

Limited Time for Recovery

With the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney set for 4 January 2026, Cummins would have very little time to regain match form if he misses the series opener. The short window emphasizes the challenge he faces in returning to top-level cricket in time for the entire Ashes campaign.

Coach Backs Cummins’ Return

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed optimism that Cummins will play a role in the series. Speaking in September 2025, McDonald noted that Cummins is following a structured rehabilitation program for his lumbar bone stress injury and that there is still time to make decisions closer to the first Test.

England’s Confidence

Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root has expressed confidence that his team is ready to compete for the Ashes. Root, who has yet to win a Test in Australia, believes the team has a strong opportunity to bring the Ashes home for the first time since 2010-11. He emphasized that the focus remains on team performance rather than media distractions or past comments from former Australian players.

Root highlighted that the series is about the team and its historic achievements. He dismissed external pressure and attention on individual performances, stating that results and team success will define the Ashes legacy rather than personal challenges or media commentary.

Cummins’ potential absence from the Ashes opener underscores the importance of depth in the Australian squad. With his fitness uncertain, the team will rely on both experienced and emerging players to maintain their strong position. The series promises to be highly competitive, with leadership adjustments and strategic planning playing a key role in Australia’s campaign against England.