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

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

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

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

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a bare 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 probably 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 worry."

Team Consequences

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

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

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues 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 second-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

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 impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has taken 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 confirming his value to the Australian side.

As captain, 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 concerns 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.