Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month, Cricket Australia announced on Monday. The governing body stated, “Cummins will not be fit in time" as he recovers from a lower back injury, and veteran batter Steve Smith will lead the team in his absence.

Australia remains hopeful that their pace spearhead will return later in the five-Test series. “Cummins has resumed running and expects to return to bowling shortly," Cricket Australia added.

The 32-year-old has not played since sustaining a lower back injury in a Test match against the West Indies in July. Scott Boland is the likely replacement, joining fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins’ race to prove his fitness has become a major storyline le

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