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

Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Injury Timeline

The 32-year-old has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July.

Although Cummins has resumed running exercises, he has yet to commence 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," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested 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 likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the pace department.

The hosts have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors 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 second-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul 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.

Career Achievements

When healthy, 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 impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 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 leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been troubled 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.