🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Faces Injury Battle Ahead of First Ashes Match The Australian pace bowler made his Test debut at the age of 18 Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the first Ashes Test appears doubtful due to persistent injury concerns. Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the pace bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his situation. Injury Timeline The 32-year-old has been struggling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July. Although Cummins has resumed running exercises, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program. "I wouldn't put a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation 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 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, explaining: "You'd want at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry." Team Consequences Given the compressed timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. Should Cummins be unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is likely to captain the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department. The hosts have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors 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 debut 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 experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his spine. Notable Accomplishments When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an remarkable average of 22.10. His record in home conditions is even more impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has taken 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 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 win against India. He remains the only captain in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series. Squad Situation 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 monitoring their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches.