'That's a worry in itself': Mark Taylor admits concern over injured Test captain Pat Cummins

Australiancaptain Pat Cummins has admitted he is unlikely to play any lead-in games ahead of this summer's Ashes, as he fights the clock to be available for the Perth Test.

The 32-year-old is dealing with a bone stress issue in his lower back and has played no cricket since the tour of the West Indies.

Cummins told News Corp this week he is not yet back bowling and will need more scans before being cleared to even begin ramping up.

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Former skipper Mark Taylor is now very concerned about the fast bowler's availability, heading into a monster five-game series against England.

"It is a bit of a worry, there's no doubt about that," Taylor told Nine's Wide World of Sports on Sunday morning.

"Pat quite rightly is playing it down because he says he is going to play all five Test matches, but during the week he's saying he's not going to play any lead-up games.

"Well, that's a worry in itself ... he's got a hot spot in his back, how does he test it out?

"I know he'll do nets and workouts in the gym, but the game itself is where you find that extra yard, that extra bit of adrenaline kicks in. It'll be interesting to see how he goes.

"There will be some rotation of the bowlers during the summer I'm sure, but let's hope for Australia and for Pat Cummins that he can play all five Tests."

There also isn't a heap of clarity surrounding the top-order, with Usman Khawaja a lock to open the batting and possibly Cameron Green at three.

Steve Smith and Travis Head will likely feature in the middle-order.

Taylor says he's watching the Sheffield Shield closely to see who puts their hand up and claims spots in the batting order come the Ashes.

"There'll be two blokes after Usman Khawaja, I'm just not sure who they are," he said.

"NSW were sent in to bat over in Perth. No runs for Sam Konstas, lbw for four, Kurtis Patterson nicked one behind for eight.

"In the other games Jake Lehmann for South Australia made 100. Henry Hunt, opening the batting for South Australia, made 120 not out. He's thrown his name out there.

"And Jake Weatherald for Tassie, who made 900 runs last year in the Shield, having been left out of South Australia's side the year before, he made 67 yesterday, so he's once again reminding the selectors he's back playing well.

"I think it's really up for grabs. These Shield games over the next three weeks could unearth someone. We're going to need to unearth someone quickly."