Pat Cummins out of Ashes series! Steve Smith can handle captaincy again

The Australian cricket team has suffered a big setback before the Ashes series 2025. The risk of team captain and star fast bowler Pat Cummins being out of the entire season has increased. Recently, a medical scan has revealed that his back injury has not completely healed, due to which he is now expected to be out of not only the opening Test of the Ashes but also the entire series.

Big revelation in scan report

According to Australian media reports, the latest scan conducted last week has revealed that the “stress hot spot” in Cummins’ back has not yet completely healed, due to which doctors have not allowed him to go on the field. In such a situation, his chances of playing in the first Ashes Test starting in Perth from November 21 are almost over.

If sources are to be believed, Cummins’ recovery may take a few more weeks. Because of this he will not be fit even till the end of the series.

Steve Smith can handle captaincy

If Pat Cummins remains out of the Ashes series, then Steve Smith can be given the captaincy of the team again. Smith has been the vice-captain of the team before and in terms of experience, he is considered the strongest contender for this role.

In the absence of Cummins, changes may also be seen in Australia’s fast bowling attack. Scott Boland can now be included in the team as the third pacer along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

Relief to England

Cummins’s exclusion is a big blow for Australia because he is not only the captain of the team but also its main strike bowler. At the same time, this is news of relief for the England team. England have not won any Test series in Australia since 2011, so Cummins’ absence can give them a psychological edge.

What did Cummins say?

Cummins had recently said in an interview, “It would be very disappointing if I could not play the Ashes, but we are trying our best to be fit at the right time.”

The Ashes series will start from 21st November and end on 8th January. If Cummins misses the entire series, Australia may have to make major changes in its strategy.