Pat Cummins will be sidelined for the first Ashes Test and Steve Smith will captain the Australian team instead.
After weeks of speculation about Cummins’ availability, his status was confirmed on Monday morning as he recovers from a back 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 Scott Boland is a lock for the first Test, which starts on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium..
Cummins’ injury is one of several selection issues for Australia in the lead-up to the Ashes. A partner for opening batsman Usman Khawaja is also yet to be confirmed.
