Pat Cummins’ bid to return in time for the first Ashes Test has fallen short, with the Australian captain ruled out just over three weeks out from the highly anticipated clash with England.

The Australian captain has been managing a back stress injury and concerns grew last week that he could miss the entire series.

For now, though, he had only been scratched from the Perth Test beginning on November 21.

Steve Smith will lead the team in his absence while Victorian paceman Scott Boland is almost certain to step into the XI.

“Cummins has resumed running and expects to return to bowling shortly,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said ahead of a press conference with coach Andrew McDonald later on Monday.

The second Test begins at the Gabba on December 4.

Cummins’ injury has been one of tw

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