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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent injury concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive update on his condition.

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 exercises, he has yet to begin bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "We get into 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 bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring 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 participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

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

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

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

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his successful career. He made his Test debut 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 endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established 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 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 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 victorious World Test Championship final and starring 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.

Squad Situation

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 approaches.