The stage is set, the urn is in view, and the drama is already unfolding. In a major development ahead of the much-anticipated five-Test series between Australia national cricket team and England cricket team, it has been confirmed that Pat Cummins will not feature in the opening Test in Perth from November 21. As a consequence, Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in that match.
This major shift in leadership has wide-ranging implications: for team morale, for strategy, and for how Australia will approach the series opener without its first-choice skipper and frontline fast bowler. In this article we explore the context, the key players, the exact implications of this move, and what it means for the series at large.
1. Context: The Ashes, Australia’s leadership and Cummins’ injury
The Ashes backdrop
The Ashes rivalry between Australia and England is perhaps the most historic and fiercely contested in Test cricket. Australia come into the 2025-26 edition as holders of the urn, with the series beginning on 21 November in Perth. The fact that Australia will go into it without Pat Cummins — their captain, spearhead of the pace attack, and a key leader — is a significant turn.
Pat Cummins’ role and injury
Pat Cummins took over the Australia Test captaincy in November 2021, and since then has been a pivotal figure not just with the ball but with the armband. His absence therefore means more than just a missing bowler — it’s a missing leader. According to the latest update, Cummins has suffered a stress injury in his back incurred during the tour of the West Indies in June, and though he has resumed running, he has yet to start bowling. With less than a month to go until the first Test, Cricket Australia has confirmed he “will not be fit in time” for the opener. Head coach Andrew McDonald admitted the reality: “We’ve run out of time. It takes four-plus weeks to get him up and running.”
Thus, we arrive at the headline: Steve Smith to captain as Cummins misses Ashes opener. This is the central theme around which the story revolves.
2. Steve Smith: the emergency skipper and his leadership credentials
When Pat Cummins is unavailable, Steve Smith steps up. Smith is no stranger to leadership roles in Australian Test cricket. He has captained in Test matches, and carries immense experience. Reports point out that as captain, his batting average is close to 70, significantly higher than his non-captain average of around 50.
In other words, Smith doesn’t simply fill in: he brings gravitas, experience, and a record of delivering under pressure. For Australia, that provides reassurance at a time when their leadership structure will be under scrutiny.
3. What the table of key facts looks like
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | 2025-26 Ashes, five Tests between Australia and England |
| First Test | November 21–25, Perth Stadium, Australia |
| Australian Captain for First Test | Steve Smith |
| Usual Captain (ruled out for first Test) | Pat Cummins |
| Reason for Cummins being ruled out | Lower-back stress injury; not bowling yet |
| Coach’s comment | “We’ve run out of time … really optimistic for second Test” – Andrew McDonald |
| Likely replacement in bowling attack | Scott Boland (joining Hazlewood & Starc) |
| Cummins probable return | Possibly for Second Test (Dec 4) at The Gabba, Brisbane |
This table gives a snapshot of the situation: leadership shift, injury context, and squad implications.
4. Strategic implications for Australia
Leadership and team dynamics
When a captain becomes unavailable, the ripple effect touches many areas: team morale, preparation routines, field-set philosophies, and in-game decision-making. Steve Smith taking over brings stability: he knows the squad, has experience, and commands respect. But it is still a change. The bowling leadership will also lose the presence of Cummins as a senior figure and wicket-taking option.
Bowling attack adjustments
With Cummins missing the first Test, Australia’s bowling attack will likely include Scott Boland alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Boland has a stellar home record — in particular his “6 for 7” against England in the 2021-22 Melbourne Test looms large. The challenge will be integrating him into the XI without the usual spearhead in place.
The opposition — England — will look to exploit the temporary absence of their nemesis.
Match preparation and mental edge
Australia had prepared with Cummins in mind; now they must adjust plans. However, the knowledge that Cummins may return later in the series may encourage the team to maintain longer-term thinking rather than panic. Coach McDonald emphasised optimism for a comeback in the second Test.
Pressure on Steve Smith
While Smith brings experience, the Ashes carry intense pressure. Captaining at home, in a marquee series, and in the absence of the scheduled captain adds extra weight. His batting, fielding, captaincy decisions will all be under the microscope.
5. Pat Cummins’ road to recovery and potential return
Injury timeline
Cummins’ back stress injury dates back to the Caribbean tour in June. He then missed white-ball series against South Africa, New Zealand and India. He has resumed running but hasn’t bowled yet. Coach McDonald pointed out that one of the key variables remaining was getting him back bowling, and with under a month remaining until the opener, he was simply unable to make pace-bowling readiness in time.
Optimism for Test two
Despite missing the opener, Cummins is travelling with the squad to Perth, and the aim is to reintegrate him for the second Test at The Gabba (Brisbane) starting December 4. McDonald said:
“He’ll be back bowling this week, and that’s a huge step… we’re on the journey to that second Test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome.”
So while opener is off the table, the door remains open for him to play a major part in the series.
6. Scotland Boland and the bowling reshuffle
With Cummins out, Scott Boland becomes the likely upgrade from the fringe/full-time squad. His credentials are strong: an excellent domestic record, and experience in Ashes conditions. Coach McDonald stated:
“When you talk about Scott Boland being the potential replacement, it’s not a bad position to be in.”
Boland’s presence will bolster the attack; Australia will still lean on their pace trio, but the bowling leadership void remains.
7. Impact on England’s tactics and response
England will sense an opportunity. Without Cummins in the first Test, they may test Australia’s pace attack more aggressively, knowing the leader and strike bowler is missing. For Australia, the depth of bowling and strategy around workload will be crucial.
Smith’s captaincy and his relationship with the bowlers, fielders, and management will be a key battleground.
8. Why this matters: bigger picture for the series
This isn’t just about missing a match — in the Ashes, momentum, confidence, and leadership matter. Australia going into the opener with Smith at the helm, Cummins on the sideline but present, reflects a transitional moment.
If Australia can navigate this hurdle well, it will bode well for their ability to adapt mid-series when Cummins returns. If they struggle, England will pounce.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is Pat Cummins missing the first Test of the Ashes?
A1. Cummins is recovering from a lower-back stress injury and has not yet resumed bowling in time for the series opener.
Q2. Who will captain Australia in Cummins’ absence?
A2. Steve Smith will assume the captaincy for the first Test.
Q3. Will Pat Cummins travel to Perth with the Australian squad?
A3. Yes — coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins will be with the team in Perth, though not playing.
Q4. Who is likely to replace Cummins in the bowling lineup?
A4. Scott Boland is the most probable replacement in the pace attack alongside Hazlewood and Starc.
Q5. Is Pat Cummins expected to return later in the series?
A5. Yes — Australia remain optimistic that he could be fit for the second Test at The Gabba (Brisbane) beginning December 4.
Q6. What are the implications of this leadership change for Australia’s Ashes campaign?
A6. The change puts an experienced leader in Steve Smith but removes the usual captain and strike bowler Pat Cummins from the first Test. It may impact team strategy, morale, and momentum; however, if handled well, it sets up Australia to adapt with Cummins’ later return.
10. What to watch in the first Test under Smith
- How Steve Smith leads the side: his field placements, captaincy decisions, and interactions with bowlers will be under scrutiny.
- The performance of the pace attack, especially how Boland integrates and how Hazlewood/Starc respond to the missing skipper.
- Whether Cummins’ presence in the squad (even if non-playing) provides a leadership lift or a distraction.
- England’s approach: will they test Australia’s bowling early, exploit familiar conditions in Perth, and start strong in the series?
- The broader tone: Early momentum in Ashes often carries forward. Australia will want to demonstrate unity and depth in the absence of their captain-bowler.
11. Summary & Conclusion
In summary, the headline Steve Smith to captain as Pat Cummins misses Ashes opener captures both a leadership change and an injury story. While Australia loses their regular captain and spearhead for the first Test in Perth, the appointment of Steve Smith provides continuity and experience. The bowling attack will adapt, likely with Scott Boland stepping in. The team’s ability to respond to this challenge may set the tone for the entire 2025-26 Ashes series.
For fans, analysts and players alike, the situation is both a setback and a test: can Australia maintain their dominance without Cummins from the outset? Will Steve Smith’s leadership rise to the occasion? And how will England capitalise on the opportunity? The answers will begin to unfold from November 21 at Perth Stadium.