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

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

Although Cummins has restarted 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 wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

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 supported this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Team Consequences

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

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

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current injury concerns echo 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-for in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

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

As captain, Cummins enjoyed a successful 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 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.