#pat-cummins

#pat-cummins

Pat Cummins has lost the race to be fit for the first Ashes Test as he continues his recovery from a stress injury in his back, with Steve Smith to reassume the captaincy of Australia in the series opener against England next month. Cummins has not bowled since Australia's 3-0 series defeat of West Indies in July and was in serious doubt for the match in Perth on 21 November.

Cummins is expected to learn this week whether he will be able to feature in Perth on 21 November, with officials conceding the quick is facing a narrow timeline. The 32-year-old has not bowled since Australia's 3-0 series defeat of West Indies in July, with back scans having since detected a stress injury on his back. Asked on Monday what chance he was of playing in the first Test at Optus Stadium, Cummins admitted it was not high.