India, Oct. 27 -- Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Test match in the impending Ashes series, which will get underway next month in Perth. Steve Smith will lead the team in his stead against England, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

Cummins has been out of action since Australia whitewashed West Indies 3-0 in July. He has been sidelined with a lower-back injury since then. While there were always doubts over his availability for the Ashes series opener in Perth on November 21, Cricket Australia chose to wait, but eventually confirmed on Monday that he will be missing the game at the Optus Stadium. The development comes as a major blow to Australia's hopes of retaining the urn.

However, head coach Andre...