The 1st Test will begin on November 21.
Australia are taking on England in the first Test of the Ashes 2025 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. One of the biggest absentees from the Australian playing XI is their captain, Pat Cummins. Instead, Steve Smith will lead the hosts in the 1st Test, starting from November 21.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the series opener against England due to a back stress injury that was detected after their 3-0 whitewash of the West Indies in July.
It is a big blow for Australia to lose their influential captain and premier fast bowler. In October, Cummins had already said that he was unlikely to play the 1st Test, and when Australia announced the squad for the Perth Test, his name was missing.
Although the 32-year-old is not fit for the opening match, he has already returned to bowling in the nets at full intensity and is likely to be available for the second Test in Brisbane, starting on December 4.
Since the injury, he has missed every white-ball series for Australia, including those against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.
Along with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott are also missing the 1st Test due to injuries, adding to Australia’s concerns.
Find out why Josh Hazlewood was excluded from Ashes 2025 1st Test
Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett will make their debut.
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, and Scott Boland.
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Australia will miss Pat Cummins in the first Test because he is not just their captain, but also their most reliable fast bowler. He has taken 309 Test wickets at an average of 22.10 and is ranked No.4 in the world. He also has a brilliant record against England with 91 wickets in 19 matches.
Even though Australia have not lost any of the six Tests played without him since 2021, his absence still creates a gap. India dominated Australia the last time they played in Perth. Without Cummins, England’s attacking batters could get a good start in the series. Australia will also miss his lower-order batting and the way he inspires the team in tough moments.
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