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

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

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue 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.

"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 probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "You'd want at least approximately 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 tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially 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 injury concerns echo 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 youngest-ever player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established 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 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 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 win 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 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.