Overview

• Brisbane Times, citing two unnamed sources, reports Cummins is no chance for the November 21 opener in Perth and could miss the entire five-Test Ashes.
• Cricket Australia declined to comment on the scan update or his availability, leaving final decisions pending further medical advice.
• Steve Smith is viewed as the likely stand-in captain should Cummins be sidelined to face Ben Stokes’ England.
• Scott Boland is expected to join Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc as the pace trio for the Perth Test in Cummins’ absence.
• The latest assessment suggests the lumbar stress hot spot is healing but not cleared, with a possible return pushed toward the end of the year.