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Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing fitness concerns.

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

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 begin 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. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Bowling Preparation

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

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

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the pace department.

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current injury concerns mirror challenges from earlier in his successful 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-for in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive 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 confirming his importance 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 win 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 injury concerns 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.