Pat Cummins gives Australia the biggest blow before Ashes 2025
Published - 08 Oct 2025, 10:21 AM | Updated - 08 Oct 2025, 10:22 AM

Australia’s Ashes preparations have suffered a major setback, with captain Pat Cummins expected to miss the opening Test against England. According to The Age, the fast bowler has not fully recovered from a back injury and might be ruled out of the entire five-match series after a fresh round of scans.
Cummins suffered a back stress injury during the West Indies tour and has been out of action for several months. After missing the New Zealand tour, the Australian skipper has also been left out of the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against India at home, delaying his comeback to international cricket.
Pat Cummins’ Back Stress Injury Remains Unhealed
Recent medical scans have cast uncertainty over Pat Cummins’ availability for the upcoming Ashes series. The Australian captain’s back stress injury has not healed completely, leaving him unable to resume bowling just six weeks before the opening Test in Perth on November 21.
According to reports from Australian media, the medical team remains cautious about rushing his return, focusing on preserving his long-term fitness given his dual role as captain and strike bowler.
There was initial optimism about a comeback during the Ashes, but the latest scans have dimmed those hopes. Cummins could miss the entire series, and Steve Smith may once again be asked to step in as captain. Smith previously led Australia to 23 victories in 40 matches as skipper, losing only 10.
Steve Smith Likely to Lead Australia in Pat Cummins' Absence
Pat Cummins’ absence leaves a significant void as both a bowler and a leader as Australia looks to defend the Ashes series.
In Cummins’ absence, Scott Boland is set to step up as the third seamer. Boland may join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in Perth. Notably, Boland has consistently supported Australia’s pace attack in recent summers and now has an opportunity to play a key role in the series.
However, the situation also raises questions about squad depth, as selectors may need to bring in an additional pacer as injury cover. With Hazlewood, Starc, and Boland in the later stages of their careers, Australia’s fast-bowling stocks are entering a transitional phase.
England haven’t won a Test in Australia since 2011. Cummins recently surpassed the 300-wicket mark. He didn’t play during the Sri Lanka tour, taking time off for family and to recover from an ankle issue.
That Would Be Devastating - Pat Cummins
Speaking to the media in Brisbane a month ago, Pat Cummins addressed concerns about potentially missing the Ashes 2025. The Australian captain stated that he was committed to doing everything possible to recover in time for the first Test match.
“That would be devastating. We’ll be doing everything we can to be right for that, [and] make a few decisions a little bit closer, but [I’m] confident we’ll do the rehab right and give it a good crack."
"This far out it’s hard to know, but we’re trying to make sure we’re doing everything right to be right for Perth,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
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Pat Cummins Scott Boland Steve Smith Australia National Cricket Team The Ashes England National Cricket Team Australia vs England England vs AustraliaAbout the Author

Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla... Read more