England's vice-captain Harry Brook believes Australia captain Pat Cummins' absence from the opening Test of the Ashes2025/26 might help England in Perth. Cummins has been suffering from a back injury since
July 2025 and his participation in the upcoming Ashes is still doubtful. In the last two Ashes editions, Cummins troubled England with the ball. In 2022, when Australia hammered England by 4-0, the 32-year-old emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps in eight innings of four games. This time, England will strive to be at their best to quench their thirst of winning the Ashes on Australian soil after 15 years.
Brook, who will be crucial for England's campaign, feels Australia have some incredible bowlers in their line-up but Pat Cummins' unavailability can affect the hosts negatively in the opening Test. "He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace, with high skill. With him out of their side for the first game, from what we've seen, hopefully that plays into our hands… (however) we can't take anybody lightly," said Brook at PCA awards ceremony in partnership with Toyota.
Scott Boland might get the task to fill Pat Cummins' shoes in case of latter's unavailability in the Ashes
In case Pat Cummins fails to show up in the Perth Test, veteran Steven Smith might be seen handling the reins of Australia while in the bowling attack, it's highly likely that Scott Boland could be given the responsibility to support Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
England, under the leadership of their skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, will endeavour to play 'bazball' cricket. Australia's experienced bowling attack has to be at their best to contain England's batting attack. If Cummins fails to regain fitness before the Ashes, things might get difficult for the home side.
