Smith to lead Aussies in Ashes opener as Cummins blow confirmed

Steve Smith will captain Australia in the first Ashes Test after Pat Cummins was formally ruled out of the series opener against England in Perth.

Less than a month out from the first Test, Cummins has still not yet resumed bowling as he recovers from a back stress injury. The paceman had indicated he would like to have been back with ball in hand at least four weeks out from his return.

Cricket Australia announced today that Cummins is back running and "expects to return to bowling shortly". The 32-year-old is now pushing time to be right for the second Test in Brisbane under lights, beginning December 4, which is five-and-a-half weeks away.