Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has been officially ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England after failing to recover in time with a back injury.

Cricket Australia announced the decision on Monday morning, 25 days out from the opening of the Ashes series.

They confirmed that the 32-year-old had resumed running and was expected to return to bowling shortly.

Steve Smith will take Cummins's place as skipper for the Test, as Australia looks to retain the Ashes following the drawn series in England in 2023.

A fortnight ago Cummins admitted he was "probably unlikely" to be fit for the first Test, but was still trying to fast-track his recovery to make it in time.

Cummins has not bowled since Australia's tour of the West Indies in July. Loading

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