After much anticipation the Ashes 2025-26 is finally here. A highly competitive series took place in 2023 in England, when Australia visited them for the Ashes and Pat Cummins and co retained the urn by securing a 2-2 draw. They were leading 2-0 initially but England came back from behind to secure a draw. The last time England visited Australia they had a forgettable outing in 2021-22. England have not been able to defeat Australia at their home in a Test series since they won in 2010-11. This time, England will be very motivated as this is the first time in the 'Bazball' era, they will be playing Test cricket in Australia. Ashes 2025–26: Steve Smith’s Brutal Dig at Monty Panesar Ahead of 1st Test, Says ‘Anyone Who Believes America’s a City Doesn’t Bother Me’ (Watch Video).

Australia are hosting England in the first Test match of the five-match series at Perth Stadium, Perth. Last time Australia hosted India there last summer, they suffered a loss. This time they will be wary of not making any errors against Ben Stokes and his side early in the series. Australia are fielding a strong squad in the first Test match at Perth but fans have noticed that Australian captain Pat Cummins is missing from the playing XI and in place of him Steve Smith is the one leading Australia. Fans eager to know why Pat Cummins is not playing in the Australia vs England first Ashes Test will get the entire information here. Ashes 2025–26: England Look To Silence Australia, Crowd and Critics in 1st Test at Perth.

Why Pat Cummins is Not Playing In AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025-26 Test Match at Perth?

Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test match at Perth as he has suffered a lower back injury recently in the build up to the series. Cummins has been suffering from persistent lower back injury issues and despite him returning to the nets, he has not been cleared to appear in the first Test match against England. That is why he has not been included in the Australia squad for the first Test match and Steve Smith is leading

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2025 07:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).