Breaking: Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the first Test of the Ashes

PL: CA confirms captain out

Oct 26, 2025

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THIS, just in from Cricket Australia, will surprise nobody, but at least now it is official:

*UPDATE:* Captain Pat Cummins will not be fit in time for the opening match of the NRMA insurance Ashes Test in Perth. Steve Smith will lead the side in his absence.
Cummins has resumed running and expects to return to bowling shortly.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald will be available to the media at 12.15pm (approx.) today following training at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
*ENDS*

Of course, this now means Scott Boland will play the first Test.

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