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

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the pace 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 kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation 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 participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

Given the tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' fitness for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the bowling attack.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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-for in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance 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 experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals 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 latest 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 glorious 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.

Team Concerns

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 assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series nears.