Overview
- Cricket Australia confirmed the captain will miss the November 21 first Test against England in Perth due to a lower-back stress injury.
- The 32-year-old fast bowler has not bowled since Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July as he follows a staged rehabilitation program.
- Selectors are preparing for Scott Boland to lead the seam replacement options in Perth alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, subject to final squad confirmation.
- Officials indicated a possible return later in the five-Test series, with Brisbane from December 4 viewed as a potential target if bowling progress is achieved.
- Teammate Nathan Lyon said Perth always looked unlikely for Cummins but expressed confidence he would feature at some point in the series.