🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Confronts Injury Struggle Ahead of First Ashes Test The Australian pace bowler made his Test debut at the young age of 18 Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing injury concerns. Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might miss the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now given a more comprehensive update on his condition. Recovery Process The 32-year-old has been struggling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July. Although Cummins has restarted running training, he has yet to begin bowling as part of his rehabilitation program. "I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf." Bowling Preparation Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would need a bare 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, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least probably 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 worry." Series Implications Given the tight timeframe, there are also doubts about Cummins' availability for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. Should Cummins be unfit, former captain Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the bowling attack. The hosts have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test win in Australia since 2011. Historical Context Cummins' current injury concerns mirror 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-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 next match due to repeated stress fractures in his spine. Career Achievements When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10. His record in Australia is even more impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 91 wickets against England in just 19 matches. In the most recent 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 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 approaches.