Australia captain Pat Cummins is reportedly set to miss the start of the Ashes, and possibly the entire series, after fresh scans revealed his back stress injury has not yet fully healed.

Cummins, who was hopeful of playing a major role in Australia’s effort to retain the Ashes urn, has been ruled out of the opener in Perth on November 21 and could miss all five Tests, with Steve Smith expected to lead against Ben Stokes’ England.

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According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 32-year-old Cummins’ latest scan showed the stress “hot spot” was healing, but not enough for him to resume bowling. His return may now be delayed until the year’s end, making it difficult to regain match fitness in time for the tightly packed series.

Cricket Australia is yet to make any official comme

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