Pat Cummins says it is "less than likely" that he will play in the first Ashes Test in Perth as he continues to recover from a back injury.

Speaking in Sydney, Cummins was asked about the chances of him being ready for the opening of the series on November 21.

The Ashes

First Test: November 21-25 (Perth Stadium)

Second Test: December 4-8 (Gabba, D/N)

Third Test: December 17-21 (Adelaide Oval)

Fourth Test: December 26-30 (MCG)

Fifth Test: January 4-8 (SCG)

D/N = day/night Test

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd probably say less likely than likely," he told Fox Sports.

"But we've still got a bit of time."

Cummins has not bowled since Australia's tour of the West Indies in July.

Recent scans showed that a stress injury in the Australian captain's back had not healed.

"I

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