Cummins out of Ashes opener, coach optimistic about second test

SYDNEY :Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be fit for the first Ashes test in Perth next month and will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

Cummins has been sidelined by a lower-back issue since July and was already a major doubt for the series opener against England, which starts on November 21.

Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins had now resumed running and would be back bowling this week, offering hope the 32-year-old might be fit to take part in the day-night second test in Brisbane from December 4.

"It takes four plus weeks to get him up and running, and we've run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second test match," McDonald told reporters in Canberra.

"He'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step ... so we're on the journey to that second test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome."

CUMMINS ABSENCE GIVES BOLAND AN OPPORTUNITY

Cummins has been an ever-present in the Australia side for Ashes clashes since his first test against England in the 2017-18 series, helping Australia first win back and then retain the urn ever since.

McDonald admitted losing his captain and top fast bowler for the opening test of a high-profile series was not ideal, but said there had been plenty of time to make contingency plans.

Even if the Australia squad for the series has not yet been announced, Scott Boland is almost certain to replace Cummins in the bowling attack at Perth Stadium alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

Boland has had infrequent opportunities at test level over the years given Australia's depth in the fast-bowling department, but he has more often than not produced when called upon.

The 36-year-old is