Pat Cummins misses Ashes opener due to fitness issues

Melbourne: Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the Ashes series against England as captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test.

According to Cricket Australia, Cummins will not regain full fitness in time for the opening Test of the five-match Ashes series. Steve Smith will lead the side in his absence.

The board stated that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to begin bowling soon.

The first Ashes Test is scheduled to be played in Perth from November 21.