Cricket
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey confirms Steve Smith will captain if Pat Cummins fails to recover from his back injury before the Ashes 2025
Cummins is ruled out of India’s white-ball series and remains doubtful for the first Ashes Test starting November 21 in Perth due to a back injury
'If Pat doesn’t play, Smudge will captain. That formula has worked,' said Bailey, backing Smith to lead Australia once again
Smith returned from New York and immediately began training at Cricket NSW, preparing for two Sheffield Shield rounds ahead of the Ashes
All-rounder Cameron Green is recovering from a side strain but expected to be fully fit before the Ashes, as Bailey assures it’s 'very minor.'
With Cummins, Green, and others nursing injuries, Australia’s bowling depth will be tested as they prepare to face England in the high-stakes Ashes