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Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing injury concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

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 commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," 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

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of featuring 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 worry."

Series Implications

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' fitness for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the bowling attack.

Australia 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 echo 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 second-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

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

Notable Accomplishments

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 impressive average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions is even more impressive, 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 captain, 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.

Team Concerns

England also face their own fitness concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.