Australian captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the first Ashes Test in Perth as time wears thin before cricket's greatest rivalry begins on November 21.

The superstar all-rounder is set to be in serious doubt for the beginning of the Ashes and could be ruled out for the whole series if his lower back stress doesn’t improve over summer, The Australian first reported.

Latest scans revealed the 32-year-old’s lower back stress is healing, however questions linger on whether Australia will be prepared to risk Cummins in Perth if further injuries persist during the series.

Australia's medical team are prepared to give the fast bowler as much time as possible to heal with no formal decision made just yet on his availability.

Cummins would need at least four to six weeks to prepare for an

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