Overview

• Head coach Andrew McDonald said the captain is likely to take part in the Ashes but may not play all five Tests.
• Cummins has been ruled out of October’s white-ball series against New Zealand and India to focus on rehabilitation.
• The issue was identified as lumbar bone stress in scans after the West Indies tour, and he has not bowled since.
• Australia does not plan for any fast bowler to play every Test, signaling deliberate rotation through the series.
• Steve Smith is the probable stand-in captain if needed, with the Ashes opener set for November 21 in Perth.