Australia will start the first Ashes test without their captain, Pat Cummins, who has been replaced by Steve Smith. Cummins, 32, had been dealing with a persistent back injury, which recent scans revealed had not fully recovered. Although not a severe issue, Cummins will be absent for the opening match in Perth next month.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism for Cummins’ return by the second Test, acknowledging the time needed for his recovery. Meanwhile, the team is prepared with Smith taking on the captaincy role, despite his past involvement in the sandpaper scandal of 2018.
McDonald highlighted the seamless transition to Smith’s leadership and the team’s fortune in having an experienced captain. The vacant spot in the team will likely be filled by Scott Boland, who could join Hazlewood and Starc in the bowling lineup for the first test.
The anticipation is high for Cummins’ eventual return, with McDonald emphasizing the boost his comeback will provide to the team during the Ashes series. The second test at The Gabba in Queensland in early December will be a key moment to assess Cummins’ recovery progress.
The Ashes competition will extend until early January, culminating in the final test scheduled for January 3 in Sydney. Fans and experts alike eagerly await the outcome of this prestigious cricket rivalry.
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