<h2>Pat Cummins Officially Ruled Out of First Ashes Test. Steve Smith to Captain - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-Pat Cummins ruled out of first Ashes Test in Perth due to ongoing back stress injury recovery</p> <p>-Steve Smith appointed captain for series opener, marking his return to leadership role</p> <p>-Scott Boland emerges as likely replacement in Australia's bowling attack for November clash</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Australia's Ashes preparations have taken a significant hit, with Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the first Test against England in Perth.</p> <p>Vice-Captain Steve Smith will stand in for Cummins as captain for the start of the series.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cummins' Injury Setback Rocks Australian Plans</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cricket Australia's confirmation that Pat Cummins will miss the Ashes Test opener represents a substantial blow to Australia's campaign.&nbsp;</p> <p>The 32-year-old pace spearhead has been battling a back stress injury that has prevented him from returning to bowling duties, despite being less than a month away from the series opener at Perth Stadium.</p> <p>The timing couldn't be more challenging for Australia's Test cricket preparations. Cummins had previously indicated his preference to resume bowling at least four weeks before his competitive return, a timeline that has now been compromised.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cricket Australia's statement revealed the captain is "back running and expects to return to bowling shortly," but this progress appears insufficient for the November 21-25 Perth Test.</p> <p>The paceman's absence removes not only Australia's premier fast bowler but also their established leader, creating a dual challenge for the home side's Ashes Test campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Smith's Leadership Return Provides Silver Lining</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Steve Smith's appointment as captain for the first Ashes Test marks a significant moment in Australian cricket. The former skipper brings extensive leadership experience, having previously captained the side on six occasions since Cummins assumed the role.</p> <p>Smith's captaincy record provides genuine optimism for Australia's prospects. His batting average of nearly 70 when leading the team demonstrates his ability to elevate his performance under the added responsibility of leadership.&nbsp;</p> <p>This statistical advantage could prove crucial in what promises to be a fiercely contested Ashes Test series.</p> <p>The experienced batsman's familiarity with England's playing style and conditions adds another layer of strategic value to his temporary return to leadership duties.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Bowling Attack Reshuffle Creates Opportunities</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Scott Boland emerges as the frontrunner to replace Cummins in Australia's pace attack for the Perth Test. The Victorian's impressive home record, boasting an average of 12.63 with the ball on Australian soil, positions him as an ideal replacement option.</p> <p>Australia's bowling depth will face its sternest examination without its leading paceman. However, the enforced change could work in their favour during the series' demanding schedule, particularly through the Adelaide-Melbourne-Sydney sequence, where unchanged lineups would prove challenging to maintain.</p> <p>Cummins remains optimistic about featuring from the second Test onwards, with the Brisbane day-night encounter beginning December 4 presenting his most realistic return target.&nbsp;</p> <p>The extended gaps between early Tests provide additional recovery time, though the compressed schedule later in the series would have likely required rotation regardless.</p> <p>The confirmation of these changes allows Australia to finalise their planning with certainty, removing speculation about Cummins' availability that had clouded their Ashes Test preparations.</p> <p>Australia's depth across both leadership and bowling stocks will determine their success in navigating this early setback to their Ashes campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/26: Series Betting Odds:&nbsp;</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes/the-ashes-2025-26-7540084">Find The Ashes 2025/26: Series Betting Odds here.</a></p>