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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.

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss 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 struggling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign 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

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

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "It's necessary to have at least approximately 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 compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' fitness for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead 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.

Career Background

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-for in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite 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 importance to the Australian side.

As skipper, 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 win 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 fitness 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 approaches.