Steve Smith to Stand In for Cummins in Ashes

Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey said captain Pat Cummins is building up from a back injury and the Ashes begin 21 November. Cummins, out since July and already ruled out of the upcoming white-ball series against India, remains hopeful to play a major part in the Ashes but may miss the Perth opener as it is unclear if he has bowled recently. Bailey confirmed that if Cummins is unavailable, veteran Steve Smith will serve as stand‑in captain; Smith has resumed training and will play Sheffield Shield matches to prepare. Bailey also highlighted Marnus Labuschagne’s prolific domestic form — four hundreds in five innings — as he pushes for a Test recall. Even if sidelined, Bailey said Cummins will remain with the squad to rehabilitate and support the captaincy setup while selectors weigh other selection permutations.