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Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive 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 resumed running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

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

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

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

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

Australia have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while England 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-wicket haul 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 multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions is even more impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 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 triumphant World Test Championship final and starring 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 worries with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be monitoring their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.