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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent fitness concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his situation.

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

While Cummins has resumed running training, 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 more doubtful than certain," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

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 playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the pace department.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues echo challenges from earlier in his successful 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 impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite 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 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 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 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.