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Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing injury concerns.

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

Injury Timeline

The 32-year-old 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.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," 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."

Bowling Preparation

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "It's necessary to have 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 worry."

Series Implications

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' fitness for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially 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.

Historical Context

Cummins' current fitness issues mirror 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 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 premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets 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 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 win against India.

He remains the only leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury 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 much-anticipated Ashes series approaches.