🔗 Share this article

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

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

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July.

Although Cummins has resumed running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation 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 approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested 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 echoed 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 ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

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

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

The hosts 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 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 misleading start, as Cummins experienced six years before his second Test appearance 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 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an remarkable average of 22.10.

His record in Australia is even more formidable, 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 establishing his importance to the Australian side.

As captain, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 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 captain 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 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.