Pat Cummins Injury Scare: Aussie Captain Doubtful for Ashes Opener in Perth

In what could be a significant blow to Australia, Pat Cummins is set to miss the Ashes opener, starting on November 21 in Perth, due to a stress injury to the back. The Australia captain could play very a small role in the entirety of the home series. If he is absent, Steve Smith is likely to lead the side.

Cummins's back issue cropped up during routine assessment after Australia's tour of West Indies earlier this year. Scans didn't show up a fracture but the bone stress was said to be significant enough to demand rest and rehabilitation. Cricket Australia thus, kept him out of the recent white-ball series against New Zealand, while he also misses the upcoming series against India.

In early September there were hopes that Cummins could resume bowling later this month in the lead-up to the big series, but that is not the case as he is likely to be sidelined for longer now.

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