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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful 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 given a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is 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

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require 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 supported this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Series Implications

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' fitness for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

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

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

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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 impressive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner 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 establishing his value 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 win 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 highly anticipated Ashes series nears.