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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent injury concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has resumed running training, he has yet to begin bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

Given the tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the pace department.

Australia have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors are without a Test victory in Australia since 2011.

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns mirror challenges from earlier in his successful career. He made his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2011 against South Africa, becoming the youngest-ever player to take a five-for in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in Australia is even more formidable, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has taken 91 wickets against England in just 19 matches.

In the most recent Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and establishing his value to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant World Test Championship final and excelling in their 50-over World Cup final victory against India.

He remains the only captain in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Squad Situation

England also face their own fitness worries with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be monitoring their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.