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

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined 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.

"I wouldn't put 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 wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, clarifying: "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' fitness for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap 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 injury concerns mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished career. He made his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2011 against South Africa, becoming the youngest-ever 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 spine.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite 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 establishing his value to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 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 leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Team Concerns

England also face their own fitness concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series nears.