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

Recent reports from Australia had indicated 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 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 exercises, he has yet to begin 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. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed 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 worry."

Series Implications

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' availability for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

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

Australia have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while England 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 debut as an 18-year-old in 2011 against South Africa, becoming the youngest-ever 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 second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in Australia 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 value to the Australian side.

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

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 assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.