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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing injury concerns.

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

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old has been struggling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably more doubtful than certain," stated 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 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: "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 able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

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 unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the bowling attack.

The hosts have held 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 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 experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

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 impressive 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 most recent Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and confirming 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 starring in their 50-over World Cup final win against India.

He remains the only leader 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 troubled 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 nears.