Steve Smith to Lead Australia as Cummins Misses 1st Ashes Test

Pat Cummins' injury update has shaken Australia’s plans ahead of the Ashes. The fast-bowling skipper is officially ruled out of the first Test in Perth, starting November 21. Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in Perth as Cummins misses the Ashes opener.

Fans could almost sense this twist building for weeks. Cummins hasn’t bowled since June, when a back stress injury ended his Caribbean tour. Cricket Australia confirmed he’s finally running again, but bowling will take “a bit longer.”

Head coach Andrew McDonald sounded calm yet cautious. “We’ve run out of time for the opener,” he said. “But we’re optimistic for Brisbane.”

Still, optimism only goes so far in the Ashes. Losing your captain before the first ball? That’s a jolt.

Cummins won’t be far, though. McDonald revealed the pacer will travel with the squad to Perth, more for morale than for overs. McDonald said. "Patty will be around the group as well, he'll come to Perth, and it'll almost be one of those things where you'll see him and it'll almost be a question of, 'Why isn't he playing in Perth?' That's where we think he'll be placed by that stage."

That one line said a lot. Cummins’ presence matters, even off the field. His quiet authority steadies the dressing room, no doubt about it. But now, Smith takes the reins.

And if history’s any guide, Australia couldn’t ask for steadier hands. Smith has led in 40 Tests and boasts an average close to 70 as captain, 20 higher than when he’s not leading. That shows his confidence as a captain.

Few read the game like Smith does. His last stint as captain, a clean sweep in Sri Lanka earlier this year, reminded everyone why he remains one of the sharpest minds in Test cricket.

You could say fate has nudged him back into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins’ injury update leaves a hole in the bowling attack. Scott Boland, the folk hero of the 2021 Melbourne Test, looks set to fill it. His home average of 12.63 speaks volumes.

There’s also some relief in the camp. Cameron Green is back to bowling after side soreness and might feature in the Sheffield Shield to regain rhythm before Brisbane. “It’s positive,” McDonald confirmed. “He’s tracking well.”

The focus for now remains on Perth and on Smith. Can Steve Smith’s captaincy ignite Australia’s campaign without their talismanic leader? The home crowd will expect dominance. England, though, will sense an opening.

That’s what makes this series special. Every twist changes everything. The Perth pitch, known for its bounce and bite, might suit Australia’s quicks, but without Cummins, that attack suddenly feels a touch lighter. A big first innings from Smith could steady the ship.

Ashes drama always finds a way. This time, it starts even before the first ball is bowled.