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Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing fitness concerns.

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

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "We get into 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 previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least approximately 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."

Team Consequences

Given the tight 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 expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the bowling attack.

The hosts have retained 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 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 explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in Australia 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 value to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant 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.

Team Concerns

England also face their own injury worries 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.