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Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing injury concerns.

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

Recovery Process

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

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

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would need a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Team Consequences

Given the tight timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' availability for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly stepping in in the pace department.

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current fitness issues echo challenges from earlier in his successful career. He made his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2011 against South Africa, becoming the youngest-ever 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 next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite 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 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 confirming 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 excelling 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.

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.