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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old has been struggling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," 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."

Bowling Preparation

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require 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 supported this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the bowling attack.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished career. He made his Test first appearance 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 impressive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions is even more formidable, 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 confirming his value to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant World Test Championship final and starring 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.

Team Concerns

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

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