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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely 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 situation.

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old has been battling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is 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 bowling out 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 opportunity of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least approximately 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 worry."

Team Consequences

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

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the bowling attack.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues mirror 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-for in an innings at that time.

However, his explosive debut proved to be a misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated 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 victory against India.

He remains the only captain 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 monitoring their key players closely as the much-anticipated Ashes series nears.