SYDNEY :Australia captain Pat Cummins said on Monday he was more likely than not to miss the first Ashes test in Perth next month and is not absolutely certain of being fit for the second in Brisbane.

A back stress injury has Cummins racing against time to be fit for the first day of the Ashes opener on November 21, with the paceman yet to resume bowling in his rehabilitation period.

"I wouldn't put percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely, but I've still got a bit of time," the 32-year-old told reporters in Sydney.

"We get into bowling preparation I think next week, so probably a couple of weeks away before actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf. But it's been a good couple of weeks, each session feels better and better."

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