Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth due to a lingering lower-back injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. Cummins, who has been sidelined since July, will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith for the series opener starting November 21. Despite the setback, coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cummins’ potential return for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. McDonald revealed that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to start bowling this week, marking a significant step in his recovery. ‘It takes four-plus weeks to get him up and running, and we’ve run out of time for the first Test, but we’re hopeful for the second,’ McDonald stated. Cummins, a key figure in Australia’s Ashes campaigns since 2017, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His absence in Perth will likely see Scott Boland step into the bowling attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland, known for his effectiveness on Australian pitches, has an impressive Test record with 62 wickets at an average of 16.53. McDonald expressed confidence in Boland’s ability to fill the void, while also highlighting the potential boost of Cummins’ eventual return. Smith, who previously lost the captaincy in 2018 due to the ball-tampering scandal, has led the team six times in Cummins’ absence. McDonald praised Smith’s leadership and the strong partnership between the two players. Additionally, the selectors are considering a Test recall for Mitch Marsh, despite his recent focus on white-ball cricket. ‘We haven’t given up on Mitch Marsh’s Test career,’ McDonald added, emphasizing Marsh’s recent batting form.