Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has officially been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a back injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday, October 27, 2025. The series begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth, and Steve Smith will step in as captain for the opening match. Cummins’ absence comes as a big blow for Australia, both in leadership and bowling strength.
Official Update: Why Cummins Is Missing the Opener
Medical reports confirmed that Cummins is dealing with a stress injury in his lower back. He hasn’t bowled since July’s West Indies tour and has only just started light running. Despite progress in his recovery, he has “run out of time” to regain full fitness for the first Test.
Australia’s Head coach Andrew McDonald mentioned they’re hopeful Cummins will return for the second Test in Brisbane, starting December 4. Until then, Smith will lead the team, his first Ashes Test as captain since 2018.
This setback forces the selectors to rethink their pace attack. With Cummins out, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland are expected to form the frontline trio.
Pat Cummins’ Impact in the Last Ashes Series
In the 2023 Ashes series held in England, Australia and England drew 2-2, allowing Australia to retain the urn. Cummins’ contribution, both as a bowler and captain, was crucial in several tight moments.
At Edgbaston, in the first Test, Cummins guided Australia to a dramatic two-wicket victory. His unbeaten 44 runs alongside Nathan Lyon turned what seemed a certain defeat into a win that set the tone for the series.
● While not the highest wicket-taker, Cummins’ ability to deliver at critical times and manage his bowlers smartly kept Australia competitive throughout.
● His calm and steady leadership was praised by both teammates and experts, and it played an important role in handling England’s quick and aggressive “Bazball” style.
Cummins finished the 2023 series with 18 wickets, often breaking key partnerships and bowling long spells with discipline. Beyond numbers, his leadership style gave Australia balance, combining aggression with patience.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer in ICU: Indian Vice-Captain Hospitalised in Sydney After Horrific Injury; What’s Next?
Why His Absence Matter
Bowling Impact: Cummins’ consistency with line and length makes him one of the hardest fast bowlers to face in modern cricket. He’s known for maintaining pressure over long spells, a trait vital in Ashes Tests that often stretch into the fifth day.
Leadership: Since taking over as captain in 2021, Cummins has been the calm voice of Australia’s Test team. His leadership guided the side to victories in the 2023 World Test Championship Final and Ashes retention.
Team Balance: Cummins can bat well in the lower order, which helps Australia a lot. Without him, the tail looks lighter, and those small but important runs may be harder to find in close games.
What It Means for the Perth Test
Without Cummins, Australia’s bowling attack will rely more heavily on Mitchell Starc’s pace and Hazlewood’s control. Scott Boland, known for his accuracy and seam movement, is likely to return to the playing XI.
For England, this news provides a small boost. Facing an Australian side without their leader and strike bowler in the series opener eases early pressure, especially after losing the 2023 series opener to Cummins’ late heroics.
Still, with Steve Smith’s vast experience, Australia has a balanced hand at the helm. Smith’s record, 23 wins from 40 Tests, shows he knows how to lead from the front, giving fans reason to stay cheerful.
Conclusion
Australia hopes Cummins will return later in the series. His comeback depends on how his back heals in the next two weeks. As the Ashes 2025-26 begins, it’s an early challenge for the team, but if history is anything to go by, Cummins will fight back strongly once he’s fit again.
Written by Kinjal Walantra