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

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

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 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 more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a bare 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 make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the pace department.

The hosts 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 second-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven 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 home conditions is even more impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 confirming 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 win against India.

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

Team Concerns

England also face their own fitness worries 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 approaches.