Australia XI Adjusts as Cummins Misses Ashes Perth Test; England Rugby Squad Shapes for Autumn Series

Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins will miss the Ashes 2025-26 opener due to a lumbar stress injury, with Steve Smith set to lead the team in his absence. Scott Boland will replace Cummins as the third pacer, while Australia's batting lineup remains uncertain following recent poor performances. England's rugby team, preparing for their Autumn Nations Series opener against Australia, will feature key players like Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart, Itoje, and Chessum, with potential lineup changes due to injuries and form. Coach Steve Borthwick faces selection challenges balancing reintegration of British and Irish Lions players with rewarding those who performed well against Argentina, aiming for stability with a focus on the 2027 World Cup cycle. England’s back-row and back three selections are particularly pivotal, with options like Ollie Lawrence and Fin Smith highlighted for building the future squad. Meanwhile, England’s women's soccer team, the Lionesses, are using upcoming friendlies to experiment and integrate new talent ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers, balancing experience with fresh faces.