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

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

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 commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation 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 require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, scheduled 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 ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

Given the tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

The hosts have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test win in Australia since 2011.

Historical Context

Cummins' current fitness issues 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 second-youngest player to take a five-for in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable 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 latest Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and confirming 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 excelling 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 injury worries 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 nears.