The Australian cricket team has suffered a significant setback just weeks before the highly anticipated Ashes series, as captain and star fast bowler Pat Cummins has been officially ruled out of the first Test due to injury.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Cummins will not be able to achieve full fitness in time for the series opener, which begins in Perth on November 21.
Following the captain’s unexpected withdrawal, veteran batsman Steve Smith will step in to assume leadership responsibilities for the team in the crucial first match.
Providing an update on the bowler’s recovery, Cricket Australia stated that Cummins “has started running and is expected to begin bowling soon.” However
