Steve Smith to captain Australia in Ashes opener as Pat Cummins ruled out with back injury

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith will lead the side in the first Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth, after regular captain Pat Cummins was officially ruled out due to a back injury, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday. 

With less than a month remaining for the start of the much-anticipated series, Cummins has yet to resume bowling as he continues to recover from a stress injury in his back sustained during the Caribbean tour in June this year.

The injury had already sidelined the pace spearhead from Australia’s limited-overs series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.

Cricket Australia, however, has provided a positive update, confirming that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to start bowling soon.

The 31-year-old now faces a tight race against time to regain full fitness for the second Test of the five-match series, scheduled to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4.