Overview

• Fresh scans show the lumbar bone stress is improving but not healed enough for Cummins to resume bowling six weeks out from Perth.
• Multiple outlets report he will miss the first Test on 21 November and could be sidelined for much or all of the five-match series, with a best-case return pencilled for December.
• Cricket Australia has declined to provide an update, and Cummins’ rehab remains limited to gym work and cycling with no bowling or running to date.
• Vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to lead if required, with Scott Boland the frontrunner to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace unit for Perth.
• His potential absence intensifies selection and workload pressures on Australia’s quicks and has lifted English optimism, even as their own fitness questions persist.