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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation 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 given a more comprehensive update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old 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 commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a bare 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, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least probably a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're able 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 unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the bowling attack.

The hosts have retained 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 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-for in an innings at that time.

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

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals 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 latest Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and establishing his value 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 win against India.

He remains the only captain in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury worries 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 highly anticipated Ashes series nears.