Australia Captain Pat Cummins will not be fit for the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith set to lead the side in his absence.

Talismanic fast bowler Cummins has been suffering with a back injury and said earlier this month he was "less than likely" to feature in the first Test in Perth on 21 November.

Cricket Australia said on Sunday the 32-year-old - who has not played since July - has still not returned to bowling, with the series opener now less than a month away.

Cummins is expected to be able to bowl "shortly", with the aim of being fit for the second Test in Brisbane, which begins on 4 December.