Test captain Pat Cummins has all but ruled himself out of the first Ashes clash, declaring that he’s “less likely” to play and would need to bowl for at least a month in the nets to prepare as he continues to battle a back injury.

But Cummins did his best to dispel any fears over his long-term future, adamant that if he recovered “properly” his career could continue for many years.

Late last week, Australian coach Andrew McDonald was bullish about Cummins’ availability for the first Test against England, which begins in Perth on November 21, but needed him back at work by this week to give himself enough lead-in time to get ready.

But on Monday morning, Cummins, who is back running, essentially put a line through his name for the Perth showdown given the short time frame and the fact he

See Full Page