Australia captain Pat Cummins is in serious doubt for the Ashes and has almost been ruled out of appearing in the first Test as he continues his recovery from a back injury.

James Anderson believes England head into the Ashes as underdogs despite agreeing with former new-ball partner Stuart Broad that Australia are at their “weakest” for the last 15 years. Broad, now making a career as a television pundit, reckons the current Australia side is their worst since the 2010/11 series which England won 3-1.

Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Ashes Test against England. Cricket Australia has confirmed the 32-year-old fast bowler has not recovered from a back injury in time. Former skipper Steve Smith will lead Australia in Cummins’ absence.

Australia 's captain, Pat Cummins, is targeting a return to the Ashes series for the second Test in Brisbane, a day-nighter scheduled for 4 December, despite being ruled out of the opener in Perth due to a lower-back injury.

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled for the first time since July on Wednesday as he aims to be fit for the second Ashes Test against England. Cummins has not played since suffering a lower back injury against West Indies in July.