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

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his situation.

Injury Timeline

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

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on 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 net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, clarifying: "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 compressed timeframe, there are also concerns 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 filling the gap 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 endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner 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 establishing his importance 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 fitness concerns 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.