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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent injury concerns.

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

Injury Timeline

The 32-year-old has been struggling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

While Cummins has restarted running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his recovery program.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out 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 chance of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want 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."

Team Consequences

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the pace department.

Australia have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test win 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 second-youngest player to take a five-for in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in Australia 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 establishing his importance to the Australian side.

As captain, 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 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 injury concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected 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.