🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Faces Fitness Struggle Ahead of First 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 be ruled out of the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more detailed update on his condition. Recovery Process The 32-year-old has been struggling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July. Although Cummins has resumed running training, 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. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately 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 minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of playing 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 play a Test match, you want to make certain you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern." Series Implications Given the tight 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 expected 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 victory in Australia since 2011. Career Background Cummins' current fitness issues 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 second-youngest 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 lower back. Notable Accomplishments When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite 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 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 importance to the Australian side. As captain, Cummins enjoyed a successful 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 captain 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.