Australia will not have their captain, Pat Cummins, for the initial Ashes test against England, as Steve Smith has been named as his replacement. Cummins, who has been dealing with a back injury, will miss the opener in Perth next month. Concerns were raised about his potential absence for the whole series, although the injury is not severe.
Andrew McDonald, the coach of Australia, mentioned that Cummins requires over four weeks to recover, and as time has run out for the first test, they are optimistic for his return in the second match. In the meantime, former captain Steve Smith will lead the team, despite his previous involvement in the sandpaper scandal in 2018.
McDonald expressed confidence in Smith’s leadership abilities and highlighted the teamwork between Smith and Cummins. Paceman Scott Boland is expected to fill Cummins’ spot for the first test, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. McDonald emphasized the excitement for Cummins’ return and the impact it will have on the team.
The Ashes will continue until early January, with the final test scheduled for January 3 in Sydney. Australia will closely monitor Cummins’ recovery ahead of the second test at The Gabba in Queensland. While the host squad for the Ashes is not yet finalized, Brendon McCullum has already announced his team for the first test.
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