The Australian cricket team has suffered a big setback before the Ashes series. Actually, captain and veteran fast bowler Pat Cummins is suffering from a back injury and due to this he has been ruled out of the first Test starting in Perth from November 21. According to the report of Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins is expected to be out of the entire Test series. For this reason, Steve Smith can become a possible acting captain against England.
Pat Cummins has been struggling with a back problem since the Caribbean tour. A recent scan revealed that the stress hot spot on his waist bone has not completely healed. Doctors have made it clear that at this time he is not completely fit to bowl.
According to the report, if Pat Cummins remains out of the entire series then Steve Smith can take command of the team. Scott Boland may get a chance in the bowling attack. Along with him, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are considered almost certain.
Pat Cummins’s exclusion is a major blow to Australia’s Ashes hopes. Australia has been in possession of the Ashes trophy since 2018, but this time the challenge against England is considered more difficult. Last month, Pat Cummins had said that he would like to start bowling at least a month or 6 weeks before the series. At present, he is completely away from running and bowling and is focusing on his gradual recovery.