The Australian cricket team has begun its jam-packed schedule on a high after they clinched the three-match T20I series 2-0 against New Zealand and will now look to continue their dominant run as they host
India. The Mitchell Marsh-led side will take on India in a white-ball series comprising of three ODIs and five T20Is, starting October 19. After the conclusion of the series, the team from Down Under will host England for the highly-anticipated Ashes series.
As the Australian team is struggling to get their key members fit just in time, red-ball skipper Pat Cummins is one of the notable players who is racing against time. Notably, Cummins is suffering from a lumbar bone stress which requires considerable time to regain fitness.
Steve Smith to lead in Ashes if Cummins fails to recover: George Bailey confirms
While he continues to be on the sideline, he remains far from attaining complete fitness and is likely to miss the Ashes series opener in Perth. However, Cricket Australia is yet to confirm his absence from the Ashes opener, recently Chief Selector George Bailey opened up on who could lead the side in Cummins’ absence. Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Bailey said, "If Pat doesn't play, Smudge [Smith] will captain. That's business as usual for us. That formula has worked."
Bailey added that Cummins remains involved with the team, even if sidelined, to stay engaged with team preparations and the captaincy setup. "Regardless of whether he's playing, Pat's keen to be around because if he's not playing he'll be rehabbing and getting ready and bowling, so he'll be with the team anyway. That information flow and working together as captain and vice-captain will remain the same," the Chief Selector further added.
Notably, Smith recently landed in Australia and has resumed batting in the nets at Cricket New South Wales headquarters. Prior to the Ashes, Smith is scheduled to play the upcoming two rounds of Sheffield Shield for NSW in Brisbane and Sydney.
Ashes Series 2025-26 Schedule
|
Date |
Match Details |
Venue |
Timing (IST) |
|
November 21 - 25 |
1 st Test |
Perth Stadium, Perth |
8:00 am |
|
December 4 - 8 |
2 nd Test |
The Gabba, Brisbane |
9:30 am |
|
December 17 - 21 |
3 rd Test |
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
5:30 am |
|
December 26 - 30 |
4 th Test |
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
5:30 am |
|
January 4 - 8 |
5 th Test |
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
5:30 am |
