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

Recent reports from Australia had indicated 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 struggling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require 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 participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

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

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

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

Career Background

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 youngest-ever 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 endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has proven 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 impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 establishing his importance to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a successful 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 leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury 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.