Pat Cummins’ chances of featuring in next month’s Ashes series opener appear to be close to zero after Steve Smith revealed the Australian Test captain still hasn’t resumed bowling as he continues recovering from a back injury.

Last week, Cummins confirmed he was “unlikely” to play the first Test against England at Perth Stadium — which gets underway on November 21 — due to a lower back complaint that has plagued him since the West Indies tour.

Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Australian coach Andrew McDonald set a deadline of “four-and-a-half weeks” before the Perth Test for Cummins to be back bowling for any chance of him featuring in the Ashes opener.

Watch Australia vs India ODI & T20I Series LIVE and ad-break free during play only on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

And on Tuesday, which marks exactly one month before the first Test against England, Smith confirmed that Cummins still hadn’t rolled the arm over.

“I saw him out here the other day,” Smith told reporters.

“He’s started his running, I was in here training as well. I think he obviously hasn’t started bowling yet, but he gets into things pretty quickly.

READ MORE

‘HE’S BACKED IT UP’: Stunning vow Marnus made Smith as telling texts revealed

‘WHAT ON EARTH WAS I DOING?’: England villain’s big admission over ugly Ashes act

Bangladesh suffer EPIC choke | 00:31

“He probably doesn’t need as much (preparation) as Josh (Hazlewood) or (Mitchell) Starc.

“Things can turn around pretty quickly. We’ll see where everything lands with him. He’s obviously got a few things to tick off and get into his bowling. He’s in good spirits.

“The team’s obviously better with him in it, for sure. Hopefully, he can get right. If he plays three Tests or five Tests or two Tests, as many as we can get out of him, it’s the best thing for the team.”

Cummins has an exceptional record in home Tests, taking 301 scalps at 19.92 over the last eight years.

However, Smith pointed out the Test side has a more than capable replacement in Scott Boland, who boasts an equally-impressive record on Australian soil — 49 wickets at 12.63 across nine matches.

“We’ve got a pretty good replacement in Scott Boland, who I think is arguably one of the best bowlers in the world,” Smith continued.

“His record in Australia is outrageous. We’re good there.

“I don’t think it disrupts too much. We’re lucky to have Scotty there, ready to go.”

Smith will lead Australia if Cummins is unavailable at any stage during the Ashes, having already replaced the New South Welshman as Test skipper on six occasions since his appointment in late 2021.

“I’ve stood in (for Cummins) a couple of times over the last few years, it’s nothing out of the ordinary,” Smith declared.

“I know how the team operates … it’ll just be a seamless sort of transition if that comes around.”

“I’ve chilled out a lot over the last four years. I’m a bit more relaxed out in the middle and maybe not as cranky at times.”