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

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the whole series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

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

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

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

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated 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 echoed this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

Given the tight timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' fitness 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 England are without a Test victory in Australia since 2011.

Historical Context

Cummins' current fitness issues 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-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When fit, 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 home conditions is even more formidable, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 glorious 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant 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 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 approaches.