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

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Recovery Process

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

While Cummins has resumed running exercises, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "It's necessary to have 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 concern."

Team Consequences

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

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the bowling attack.

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current injury concerns echo 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.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has proven 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 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 latest 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 glorious 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 worries 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.