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

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his condition.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has restarted running exercises, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his recovery program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

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

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

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the bowling attack.

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current fitness issues 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 next match due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite 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 impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has taken 91 wickets against England in just 19 matches.

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

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

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

Squad Situation

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

Both teams will be monitoring their key players closely as the much-anticipated Ashes series nears.