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Skipper Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing fitness concerns.

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

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July.

While Cummins has resumed 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," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of net sessions 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 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."

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 captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially stepping in in the pace department.

Australia have retained 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 experienced six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive 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 skipper, 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 captain in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Squad Situation

England also face their own fitness 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 highly anticipated Ashes series nears.