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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent fitness concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has restarted running training, he has yet to begin bowling as part of his recovery 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 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 need 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, explaining: "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 concern."

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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 lower back.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite 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 latest 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 excelling in their 50-over World Cup final win against India.

He remains the only captain in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury 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.