🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Faces Injury Battle Ahead of Opening Ashes Test Pat Cummins debuted in Test first appearance at the age of 18 Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent fitness concerns. Recent reports from Australia had suggested that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his condition. Injury Timeline The veteran cricketer has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July. While Cummins has resumed running training, he has yet to begin bowling as part of his recovery program. "It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and delivering on turf." Bowling Preparation Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, scheduled 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 ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern." Team Consequences Given the compressed 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 lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department. The hosts have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while The visitors are without a Test victory in Australia since 2011. Historical Context Cummins' current fitness issues echo 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 false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his second Test appearance due to repeated stress fractures in his spine. Career Achievements When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive average of 22.10. His record in home conditions is even more impressive, 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 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 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 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.