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The cricketing world’s most intense rivalry is back! The Ashes 2025-26 series between Australia vs England is set to ignite across Australian shores, but the build-up to the opening Test in Perth has been dominated not by the prospect of Bazball versus Australian dominance, but by a crippling injury crisis for the holders.
The most urgent Pat Cummins news today confirms the worst fears for Australian supporters: their captain, talisman, and leader of the pace attack is definitively ruled out of the 1st Test. Adding salt to the wound, Australia must also face the challenge without their most consistent bowler, Josh Hazlewood. This double blow for the hosts presents a monumental opportunity for Ben Stokes’ England side, who arrive Down Under desperate to break a long-standing drought in Australia.
Why is Pat Cummins Not Playing the 1st Test in Perth?
The question on every fan’s mind—why is Pat Cummins not playing today?—has been answered by Cricket Australia (CA) with a clear but concerning prognosis. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the series opener at Perth Stadium due to a persistent lower-back injury, identified as a lumbar bone stress issue.
This injury is understood to have hampered the star pacer’s preparation for the high-octane five-Test series. Medical staff, prioritizing his long-term fitness and availability for the remainder of the series, have advised against rushing him back for the intense heat and pace-friendly conditions of the 1st Ashes Test in Perth.
For a team that relies heavily on its pace trio to deliver decisive moments—and considering Cummins’ exceptional record for taking key Pat Cummins Ashes wickets—his absence is a massive tactical setback. He remains one of the world's elite fast bowlers, renowned for his relentless pressure and ability to extract bounce.
The good news for Australia is that his recovery schedule is optimistic. Cummins is reportedly making positive strides in his rehab and is confidently targeting a return for the 2nd Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting just a few weeks after the Perth opener.
In his absence, former captain Steve Smith will take the reins once again, leading the Australian side in a crucial encounter where retaining the urn will depend heavily on the performance of a makeshift bowling attack. Smith's leadership experience in the Ashes environment will be vital to steadying the ship amidst the pre-series turbulence.
Josh Hazlewood Injury Update and Australia’s Bowling Depth Challenge
The loss of Pat Cummins alone would have been enough to rock Australia’s plans, but the simultaneous sidelining of Josh Hazlewood compounds the issue dramatically. Hazlewood has been confirmed out of the 1st Test due to a hamstring strain, sustained recently while representing New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield fixture.
The initial news offered some hope, as early scans were inconclusive, but subsequent, more detailed imaging confirmed a low-grade muscle strain. This means Australia will be without two of its three frontline Test quicks. The Josh Hazlewood injury update confirms he will not travel to Western Australia for the opening match, creating a massive void in consistency and control that few can fill.
Josh Hazlewood Injury Recovery
While there has been no firm timeline set for Hazlewood’s specific injury recovery, hamstring strains typically require careful management. Given his history of minor setbacks in recent seasons—including a side strain and calf injury in previous home summers—Australian selectors will likely adopt a cautious approach. His priority will be to return to full match fitness, ensuring he is ready for the latter half of the series if Australia finds itself chasing wins.
To cover the absence of both Hazlewood and Cummins, Cricket Australia has called up Queensland pacer Michael Neser and is likely to debut South Australian quick Brendan Doggett.
Australia vs England (AUS vs ENG): Predicted Playing XI for Perth
With two monumental gaps to fill, the Australian XI for the 1st Test against England (ENG vs AUS Ashes 2025) is set to feature a highly anticipated debutant attack.
The likely bowling combination to support the reliable Nathan Lyon and the veteran Mitchell Starc is expected to be:
- Mitchell Starc: The sole remaining member of the seasoned pace trio, whose new ball control and reverse swing will be indispensable.
- Scott Boland: The cult hero from the last home Ashes series, whose immaculate length and seam movement are perfect for the Perth pitch.
- Brendan Doggett (Debut): The uncapped Queenslander who is set to become just the third Indigenous Australian male Test player. His selection rewards strong domestic form and provides genuine pace.
- Cameron Green: The pivotal all-rounder, who must step up his bowling workload significantly to provide critical overs.
Reports also suggest the opening batting slot may see a change, with South Australia’s Jake Weatherald potentially making his Test debut to partner Usman Khawaja, adding fresh faces to a series that traditionally relies on old hands.
England, meanwhile, is boosted by the fitness of Mark Wood and the express pace of Jofra Archer, setting the stage for a mouth-watering battle against an inexperienced Australian attack.
The Ashes 2025-26 Full Schedule: Dates and Venues
The Ashes 2025-26 series (also referenced as ashes 2025-26) is the 74th edition of this rivalry contested in Australia. The schedule features five iconic Test match grounds, including a traditional Day/Night fixture and the iconic Boxing Day Test.
Here are the confirmed ashes 2025 dates venue details:
| Match | Dates | Venue | Match Details |
| 1st Test | November 21–25, 2025 | Perth Stadium, Perth | Series Opener |
| 2nd Test | December 4–8, 2025 | The Gabba, Brisbane | Day/Night Pink Ball Test |
| 3rd Test | December 17–21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Day Test |
| 4th Test | December 26–30, 2025 | MCG, Melbourne | Traditional Boxing Day Test |
| 5th Test | January 4–8, 2026 | SCG, Sydney | New Year’s Test |
The series represents a grueling schedule for both AUS vs ENG squads, running through the height of the Australian summer from late November until early January.
Ashes 2025 Broadcast in India: Where to Watch the Rivalry
For cricket fans in India, following the legendary rivalry live has become easier than ever. If you are asking where to watch ashes 2025 in india or looking for ashes 2025 broadcast in india details, here is the complete guide for the five-Test series:
| Service | Details |
| Live Telecast (TV) | Star Sports Network (Specifically Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD) |
| Live Streaming (Online) | JioHotstar (Subscription required) |
| Match Timings (1st Test) | The 1st Test in Perth begins at 7:50 AM IST on November 21, 2025. |
The early start times for the matches—especially the 4th and 5th Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, which begin at 5:00 AM IST—mean that dedicated fans will need to set early alarms to catch the opening sessions of play.
With Australia’s dual injury crisis giving England an unexpected psychological advantage, the 2025-26 Ashes is poised for a dramatic and potentially historic start. The onus is now on Steve Smith and the young Australian debutants to prove that their bowling strength goes deeper than their two best-known pacers. England, armed with their "Bazball" philosophy and a fit pace attack, have their best chance in years to reclaim the urn on foreign soil.
