🔗 Share this article

Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing fitness concerns.

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

Injury Timeline

The 32-year-old has been battling with a back stress injury that has kept him sidelined since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has restarted running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely," commented Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so probably a couple of weeks away from actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, clarifying: "It's necessary to have at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to ensure you're able to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

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

Should Cummins be unavailable, former captain Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland possibly 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 echo 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-for in an innings at that time.

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

Career Achievements

When fit, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The 32-year-old has taken 309 Test wickets at an impressive 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 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 win against India.

He remains the only leader 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 affected 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.