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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing injury concerns.

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

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has restarted running exercises, he has yet to begin 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," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation 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 require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least probably 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."

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 captain Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the pace department.

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 debut 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 misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets 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 skipper, 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 leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Squad Situation

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