Australia lead the Ashes 2025 1-0.
Pat Cummins missed the 1st Test of the Ashes 2025 in Australia. In his absence, Steven Smith led the hosts to a win in the tournament opener against England. He will continue to lead Australia for the 2nd Test starting in Brisbane on December 4.
Australia captain Pat Cummins was ruled out of the series opener due to a back stress injury that was detected after their 3-0 whitewash against the West Indies in July. However, the hosts will continue to miss their regular skipper for the 2nd Test.
The reason behind his absence is that he is in the final stage of recovering from a lumbar back stress injury. The management may not be keen to rush the 32-year-old pacer, who is key to Australia’s success, especially with the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2027 around the corner. However, Pat Cummins will still travel with the team to Brisbane. He will be available for selection directly for the 3rd Test in Adelaide, starting December 17.
It is still a big blow for Australia to lose their influential captain and premier fast bowler. In October, Cummins had already mentioned that he was unlikely to play the 1st Test. The extension to the 2nd Test is mostly precautionary. He has already returned to bowling in the nets at full intensity.
Since the injury, he has missed every white-ball series for Australia, including those against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.
Along with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood also missed the last Test due to injuries. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett made their debut. The historic fixture ended in two days as Australia won by eight wickets. Mitchell Starc took seven and three wickets.
Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
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Australia will miss Pat Cummins in the 1st Test because he is not just their captain, but also their most reliable fast bowler. He has taken 309 Test wickets at an average of 22.10 and is ranked No.4 in the world. He also has a brilliant record against England with 91 wickets in 19 matches.
Even though Australia have not lost any of the seven Tests played without him since 2021, his absence still creates a gap. Without Cummins, England could have a psychological advantage. Australia will also miss his lower-order batting and the way he inspires the team in tough moments.
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