England have been dealt an Ashes boost with Australia captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Test in Perth from November 21 due to a back injury.

Steve Smith will lead the hosts at Optus Stadium in Cummins' absence.

Cummins had said earlier this month that he was "less than likely" to feature in Perth after being diagnosed with a lumbar stress problem in September.

The 32-year-old has not played since the third Test in the West Indies in July.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald says the seamer has now "run out of time" to be considered for the Ashes opener but is "hopeful" he will be able to return for the day-night second Test in Brisbane from December 4.

McDonald said: "We flagged a week or so ago that it would take four-plus weeks to get him up and running and we've run out o

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