🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Faces Fitness Battle Ahead of First Ashes Test Pat Cummins debuted in Test first appearance at the age of 18 Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent fitness concerns. Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might be ruled out of the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his condition. Recovery Process The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July. Although Cummins has restarted running exercises, 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 more doubtful than certain," 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 Australia coach 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 echoed this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you play 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 doubts about Cummins' fitness for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. Should Cummins be unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the bowling attack. Australia have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors are without a Test victory in Australia since 2011. Historical Context Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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-for 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 repeated stress fractures in his lower back. Career Achievements When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive average of 22.10. His record in Australia is even more formidable, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has taken 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 confirming his value to the Australian side. As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a glorious 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's victorious World Test Championship final and excelling 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 concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been affected by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India. Both teams will be assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.