General · 23 December 2025
Pat Cummins out. Smith to captain Australia
Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series after helping secure the title with a six-wicket haul in Adelaide. Despite being injury-free, selectors opted to protect the fast bowler's long-term health following his return from a back stress injury. Jhye Richardson joins the squad as replacement, while Todd Murphy replaces injured Nathan Lyon who requires surgery on a torn hamstring. Steve Smith will captain in Cummins' absence for the Boxing Day Test at MCG.
Reported by Cricket Australia · How we write briefs