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

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

Injury Timeline

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

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say 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 bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor 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, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least approximately 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 concern."

Series Implications

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

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

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues mirror challenges from earlier in his successful 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 impressive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in Australia is even more formidable, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 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 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 much-anticipated Ashes series approaches.