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

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer 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 exercises, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his recovery program.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would need a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

Given the compressed 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 likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

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 echo 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 explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins experienced 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 premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in Australia is even more formidable, 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 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.