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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent fitness concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the fast 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.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," stated Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any chance of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to make certain you're able 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 captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the bowling attack.

Australia have held 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 successful career. He made his Test first appearance 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 explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions 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 skipper, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant 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 injury worries 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.