Pat Cummins will not play the first Ashes Test, with the Australian captain officially ruled out today due to a back injury.

Steve Smith will take over as captain, while Scott Boland will join the side as Cummins’ replacement.

After weeks of speculation about Cummins’ availability, his playing status was confirmed on Monday morning as he recovers from stress fractures in his lower injury.

His injury is a major blow for Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes. It remains unclear when Cummins will be ready for a return to the national team.

“Cummins has resumed running and expects to return to bowling shortly,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said.

His unavailability means Victorian paceman Boland is a lock for the first Test, which starts on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Cummin

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