🔗 Share this article

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

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

Recovery Process

The veteran cricketer has been struggling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

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

"I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is 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."

Fitness Requirements

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, set 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 compressed timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the following match in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

Australia have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test victory in Australia since 2011.

Career Background

Cummins' current fitness issues 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 second-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins experienced six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his lower back.

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier 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 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 confirming his value 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 fitness concerns with captain Ben Stokes, who has been troubled 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.