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Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent injury concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his condition.

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old has been struggling with a spinal issue 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," stated Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a 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, clarifying: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

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

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

The hosts have retained 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 successful career. He made his Test debut 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 next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

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

His record in Australia is even more impressive, 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 importance to the Australian side.

As skipper, 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 victory 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 fitness worries with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be assessing their key players closely as the much-anticipated Ashes series approaches.