Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies, with the Australian skipper failing to overcome a quad injury.
The 29-year-old didn't bowl in the second innings in Perth, with the Aussies claiming a dominant 164-run victory over the Windies thanks to Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne's heroics.
Cummins said in his post-match press conference that he would be pushing to play, but the captain has since been ruled out by team doctors and physios as a precaution.
The right-arm quick went through a fitness test on Wednesday morning in Adelaide, but with a three-game series against South Africa on the horizon, Australia will play it safe when it comes to their leading man.
MORE: Marsh ruled out for the summer | Du Plessis confirms BBL return
His absence will open the door for Ashes hero Scott Boland to return to the fold as part of the bowling attack, while vice-captain Steve Smith will take the reins and lead the side.
BREAKING: Pat Cummins is out of the Adelaide Test, with Scott Boland returning to the Australian starting XI.#AUSvWI
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 7, 2022
News from Adelaide: Cummins out (quad), Boland in. Smith to captain here for the second summer in a row. Final XI not confirmed but Smith will be talking in the next hour so we might get it then. #AUSvWI
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) December 7, 2022
Cummins has had a busy lead-up to the series against West Indies, including playing in the T20 World Cup and ODI series against England.
The day-night Test at Adelaide Oval will begin at 3pm AEDT on Thursday afternoon.
