Australia captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the opening Test of the Ashes series starting November 21 in Perth due to a stress injury in his back. The injury could also limit his participation throughout the home series.

Cummins’ back issue was detected during a routine assessment following Australia’s tour of the West Indies earlier this year. Although scans ruled out a fracture, the bone stress was found to be serious enough to require rest and rehabilitation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Cricket Australia had already kept Cummins out of the recent white-ball series against New Zealand and the upcoming India series to allow full recovery.

Initially, there were hopes that he would return to bowling by late October, but his recovery has taken longer than expected. If Cummins remains unavailable, vice-captain Steve Smith is likely to lead the team in the first Test.