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Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent injury concerns.

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

Recovery Process

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

Although Cummins has restarted running training, he has yet to begin 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. "We get into begins next week, so probably 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 require a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed 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 concern."

Team Consequences

Given the tight 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 lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns mirror challenges from earlier in his distinguished career. He made his Test first appearance 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 premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in home conditions is even more formidable, 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 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 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.

Team Concerns

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