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Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely 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 given a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported 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 capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

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 likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in 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 mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished career. He made his Test debut 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 explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets 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 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 skipper, Cummins enjoyed a successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's victorious World Test Championship final and excelling in their 50-over World Cup final win 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 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.