Pat Cummins ruled out of Perth Test, doubtful for entire Ashes series

Brisbane, 8 October 2025:

Australia captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the opening Ashes Test in Perth and could be sidelined for the entire series after scans showed his back stress injury had not fully healed, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Cummins, 32, underwent scans last week to assess his recovery ahead of the home Test summer. Two sources with knowledge of the situation, but not authorized to speak publicly, said the results revealed the stress “hot spot” in his back was improving but not clear enough for him to resume bowling.

Cricket Australia declined to comment, but the setback likely pushes Cummins’ return to late in the year, making it unlikely he’ll be ready for a demanding Ashes schedule beginning Nov. 21 in Perth. Steve Smith is expected to lead the side in his absence against Ben Stokes’ England.

Scott Boland appears set to join Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc as Australia’s pace trio for the series opener. Cummins’ absence is a major blow to Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes urn, which they have held since 2018.

England, who have not won a Test in Australia since 2011, will take confidence from the news that they may not face the hosts’ captain and strike bowler.

Speaking in Brisbane last month, Cummins acknowledged the risk of missing the Ashes opener. “That would be devastating,” he said. “We’ll be doing everything we can to be right for that. It’s a big Ashes series — doesn’t get much bigger — so you’re willing to take a few risks to play as much as you can.”

Cummins, who has shouldered a heavy workload in recent years, added: “I’ve had a really good run as fast bowling goes, and I’ve been well looked after. Hopefully we get this right and I don’t miss too much cricket.”