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

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

Injury Timeline

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

Although Cummins has resumed running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his recovery program.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins supported this assessment, clarifying: "It's necessary to have at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

Given the tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' fitness for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is likely to lead 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 win in Australia since 2011.

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his successful 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-for in an innings at that time.

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

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner 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 claimed 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 successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's victorious 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.