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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his condition.

Recovery Process

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

Although Cummins has resumed 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 approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any chance of playing 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 ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Team Consequences

Given the compressed 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 expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially 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 fitness issues 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 misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven 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 claimed 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 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 starring 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.

Team Concerns

England also face their own fitness worries 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.