India, Oct. 13 -- Australia Test captain Pat Cummins finally broke his silence regarding whether he is facing a race against time in order to be fit for the Ashes 2025 opener against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The pacer is currently recovering from a back injury. In September this year, it was revealed that the 32-year-old has a lumbar bone stress issue and keeping this in mind, he hasn't bowled a ball since Australia's last Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Speaking at Kayo Sports' Summer of Cricket Launch in Sydney on Monday, Cummins all but confirmed that it is highly unlikely that he will play the Ashes opener, beginning November 21.

"I'd say probably less likely than likely. But we've still got a bit...