Cummins ruled out of 1st Ashes Test, Smith to lead Australia in opener

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth next month and will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

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Cummins has been sidelined by a lower-back issue since July and was already a major doubt for the series opener against England, which starts on November 21.

Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins had now resumed running and would be back bowling this week, offering hope the 32-year-old might be fit to take part in the day-night second Test in Brisbane from December 4.

"It takes four plus weeks to get him up and running, and we've run out of time, unfortunately, but really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match," McDonald told reporters in Canberra.

"He'll be back bowling this week, and that's a huge step... so we're on the journey to that second Test match, and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome."