Cummins Set to Miss Ashes Opener

Pat Cummins is set to miss the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21 after scans showed a lumbar bone-stress injury has not fully healed, and he could be sidelined for much or all of the five-Test series. There has been no formal confirmation from Cricket Australia, and Cummins — who has not bowled since July and is limited to gym work and cycling — remains optimistic about his recovery, according to former coach Justin Langer. Mitchell Starc has publicly backed Cummins' ability to perform after curtailed preparation. Selectors are preparing to rely on a pace trio of Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with Boland the likely immediate replacement, while other seamer options are being considered. Steve Smith is expected to captain Australia in Cummins' absence. Cummins' probable prolonged absence is a major blow to Australia and a boost to England, though pundits say Boland's quality and Australia's bowling depth keep the series contestable.