Steve Smith being interviewed by the media in Adelaide on Wednesday.Credit:Getty
He was keen to play the pink ball Test after last year’s absence but was overruled by medical staff,who erred on the side of caution.
He will be replaced by Scott Boland,who claimed 18 wickets at the remarkable average of 9.55 during the final three Ashes Tests last season.
Boland said he “half expected” to play. “I had a really good chat to Pat last night at training,and he outlined what his plans were and where his expectations were. It was nice to know from him if he was going to be out I would be in,” he said.
Cummins missed last year’s Adelaide Test because of strict Covid-19 protocols after walking into a restaurant where someone was subsequently found to be infected. He is expected to be fit for the first Test against South Africa,starting at the Gabba on December 17.
Scott Boland warms up during training in Adelaide.Credit:Getty
“Whenever they want me to stand in and do a game here or there I’m more than happy to but he[Cummins] is the man,” Smith said. “I’ll help him and support him in any way that I can and when he’s not fit and ready,then I’ll stand in and do what I need to do.”
Smith,33,is clearly doing a favour for a mate after Cummins,29,courted his NSW colleague on the basis of his leadership experience and the likelihood that,given the arduous workload of fast bowlers,Cummins would not always been available.