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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed 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 entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' availability for the following match 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 victory in Australia since 2011.

Historical Context

Cummins' current injury concerns 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 youngest-ever player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive 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 healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in Australia 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 importance to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a successful 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 concerns 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.