Who will captain Australia in 1st Test vs England in Ashes 2025/26? Steve Smith to lead Aussies as Pat Cummins ruled out of Perth Test

Divy Dubey

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Who will captain Australia in 1st Test vs England in Ashes 2025/26? Steve Smith to lead Aussies as Pat Cummins ruled out of Perth Test image

Australia will have a new captain for the Ashes opener, with Steve Smith set to captain the side in Perth after Pat Cummins was ruled out due to a back stress injury. Less than a month remains for the first Test, but Cummins has not yet returned to bowling.

Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that while the skipper is progressing well, the timeline for recovery means he will miss the Perth clash against England.

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Pat Cummins ruled out of Ashes opener due to back injury

Cummins' absence was confirmed after Australia's medical team decided he had not recovered enough to resume full bowling workloads. McDonald told reporters in Canberra that the team had "run out of time," but added that the pacer is expected to start bowling again this week.

"We have grappled with it for a little while. We have run out of time unfortunately, but we are really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test in Brisbane," McDonald said.

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Cummins is still expected to travel with the squad to Perth, with McDonald suggesting that the 32-year-old could be close to full fitness by then.

Steve Smith returns as captain for Perth Test

Smith, who last captained Australia during Cummins' absence in 2023, will take charge for the first Test. The former skipper has led the team six times since Cummins took over and has an impressive record with the bat as captain, averaging nearly 70 in the role.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain. Steve and Pat work really well together, so there will be a smooth handover," McDonald added.

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Scott Boland likely to replace Cummins in playing XI

Scott Boland, who has an exceptional home average of 12.63, is expected to fill the void in the bowling attack. McDonald acknowledged that losing the captain is not ideal but praised the squad's depth, saying that Boland's inclusion keeps Australia well-covered.

Australia now hope for Cummins' return in the second Test at the Gabba under lights, beginning December 4.

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