Australia have been dealt a colossal blow just weeks before the start of the highly anticipated Ashes series, with captain Pat Cummins expected to miss the first Test in Perth due to a back injury.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the start of the #Ashes and may be out for the whole series after fresh scans revealed his back stress problem had not yet healed. Best case scenario is a role at the back end of the series, Scott Boland style https://t.co/r9cO36rj19
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) October 8, 2025
The star fast bowler has not yet received medical clearance to resume bowling, a fact that has cast a long shadow over his entire participation in the five-Test series.
The news, widely reported by Australian media, is being framed as a significant boost to England's hopes of reclaiming the urn.
Cummins has been battling a lumbar bone stress issue in his lower back since the Test tour of the West Indies in July.
With the series opener at Optus Stadium on November 21 fast approaching, the absence of Australia's premier strike bowler and inspirational captain is a major setback for the home side.
The stark reality of the injury timeline
Recent scans have revealed that Cummins' back stress issue has not yet healed sufficiently for him to begin a proper bowling build-up.
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Cricket Australia's medical team is reportedly being cautious, knowing that rushing the 32-year-old back could jeopardise his fitness for the whole summer.
Cummins, who had previously called the possibility of missing the start of the Ashes "devastating," is currently restricted to gym work and cycling.
The lack of time available to safely rebuild his bowling workload makes his participation beyond the later stages of the series highly doubtful.
(getty)
Why a Cummins absence is a major lift for England
Cummins' absence will be a major lift for Ben Stokes's England side.
The Australian captain was a dominant force in the 2021-22 Ashes, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps.
Without the Australian star, England will face a less fearsome and much older bowling attack.
Former England legend Stuart Broad has openly stated that Cummins absence from the series "means England's chances of winning go up hugely."
In Cummins' place, Steve Smith is expected to stand in as captain, while Scott Boland is the likely replacement in the pace attack, joining Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
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