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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent injury concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had indicated that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Injury Timeline

The 32-year-old has been battling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain 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 second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially 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.

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

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 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 establishing his importance to the Australian side.

As captain, 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 leader 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 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.