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Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent fitness concerns.

Media speculation from Australia had indicated that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the pace bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his condition.

Recovery Process

The 32-year-old has been battling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July.

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is 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 earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

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 captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the bowling attack.

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

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues 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 multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive 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 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 successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant World Test Championship final and starring in their 50-over World Cup final victory against India.

He remains the only leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Squad Situation

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 approaches.