🔗 Share this article

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

Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his situation.

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation 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 my assessment is probably more doubtful than certain," commented Cummins. "We get into begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and delivering on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would require a minimum of four weeks of net sessions to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without concern."

Team Consequences

Given the tight timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' availability for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unfit, former skipper Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, with Scott Boland possibly filling the gap in the bowling attack.

The hosts have held the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test win in Australia since 2011.

Career Background

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 second-youngest player to take a five-for in an innings at that time.

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

Notable Accomplishments

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite 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 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 establishing his value 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 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 assessing their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series nears.