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

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any chance of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

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

Team Consequences

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

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the bowling attack.

Australia have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors are without a Test victory 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 explosive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions is even more formidable, 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 captain, Cummins enjoyed a successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's victorious World Test Championship final and excelling in their 50-over World Cup final victory against India.

He remains the only captain 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.