Exclusive: Pat Cummins returns serve after bold 5-0 Ashes prediction

Australian captain Pat Cummins has returned serve ahead of the Ashes, labelling the 5-0 prediction delivered by Piers Morgan as "pretty brave" in a fresh interview.

The star quick, who is in doubt for the series opener due to a back issue, didn't waste any time firing back at Morgan - as well as former England captains Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan - during an exclusive sit-down with Karl StefanovicToday.

Morgan fired the first shot, claiming the Aussies would suffer a series whitewash, before Cook chimed in and said "for once, Piers is right" in a pre-recorded video message.

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Vaughan, slightly less optimistic than his peers, said that England would win 4-0.

Cummins cheekily responded and said that the comments were an attempt from the English media personality and TV host to "stay relevant".

"They are pretty brave from the other side of the world," he said.

"Whatever it is to stay relevant."

The 32-year-old will be a focal point for the Aussies, having led the side to a remarkable amount of success during his time as skipper.

However, an honest response from Cummins regarding his injury won't instil a lot of confidence when it comes to taking his place at Perth's Optus Stadium in 51 days.

"It's not too bad," he said.

"Lots of training at the moment, no bowling - but hopefully in the next few weeks I will start ramping that up."

England have already named their squad for the five-game Test series, with six fast bowlers - including Jofra Archer - named to make the trip Down Under.

The hosts still have some big calls to make at the selection table before the first match on November 21, but the captain can feel the excitement building already.

"I can't wait - it's all anyone has been talking about for the last year," Cummins said.

Now that we're back in Australia, it's the next big thing that everyone is talking about.

"Everyone knows friends or family who are flying over, it feels like all the WhatsApp groups are starting to build up a little bit of banter.

"It feels close now, so I'm excited."

Watch Karl's full exclusive chat with Pat Cummins in the video above