SYDNEY: Australian pacer Pat Cummins will miss next month’s first Ashes Test in Perth and Steve Smith will captain in his absence, Cricket Australia said on Monday.
Cummins has been out since July with a lower back problem and was already doubtful for the series opener against England from November 21.
Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins has resumed running and will start bowling this week, raising hopes the 32-year-old could return for the second day-night Test in Brisbane from December 4.
“It’s going to take a good four weeks to get it up and running and unfortunately we’re out of time, but we’re very optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match,” McDonald told reporters in Canberra.
“He will be back bowling this week, which is a huge step… so we are heading into that second Test match and are very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome.”
Cummins’ absence gives Boland an opportunity
Cummins has been an ever-present in the Australian side during Ashes clashes since his first Test against England in the 2017-18 series, helping Australia win back first and holding the urn ever since.
McDonald admitted losing his captain and top fast bowler for the opening Test of a high-profile series was not ideal, but said there had been plenty of time to make contingency plans.
Although the Australian squad for the series has not yet been announced, Scott Boland will almost certainly replace Cummins in the bowling attack at Perth Stadium alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Boland has rarely had opportunities at Test level over the years, given Australia’s depth in the fast bowling department, but he has produced more often than not when called upon.
The 36-year-old has been particularly effective on Australia’s hard decks and has taken 62 wickets in his 14 Tests at an average of 16.53.
“If you’re talking about Scott Boland as a potential replacement, that’s not a bad position to be in,” McDonald added.
“And I guess you get excited about when (Cummins) comes back. What an injection that will be for the group, a fully fit Pat Cummins returning at some point during the Ashes.”
Smith was sacked as captain in 2018 for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, but has led the team six times in Cummins’ absence since his rehabilitation.
“We’re turning into Steve Smith as captain, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced captain ourselves,” McDonald said.
‘They’re a good working couple, so to speak… and Paddy will be with the group too. So he’ll be coming to Perth with us, I can explain that.’
McDonald also said the selectors would consider a recall for Mitch Marsh even as Australia’s white ball captain said last week he would be looking at beer from the Ashes series.
“We would be happy to pick someone, and if you want to put a name to it, Mitch Marsh, from white-ball cricket if we felt it would benefit the Test team,” he said.
“We feel he is batting as well as he has for a long time… and we still haven’t given up on Mitch Marsh’s Test career.”
