Melbourne, Oct 10
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted that captain Pat Cummins' chances of playing in the Ashes opener are decreasing but insisted the fast bowler remains on track to feature against England this summer.
Cummins has been battling a back injury that has prevented him from bowling since July, and the Australian skipper resumed running this week after scans showed some improvement in the lower-back stress injury.
McDonald has not given up hope that Cummins could play the first Test in Perth, admitting Australia are now racing against time since Cummins has not yet been cleared to resume bowling.