🔗 Share this article

Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to persistent injury concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had suggested 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 veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has kept him sidelined since his last professional game in July.

While Cummins has restarted running exercises, he has yet to commence 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."

Fitness Requirements

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that Cummins would need a minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of playing in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, clarifying: "You'd want at least probably a month in the nets. If you play a Test match, you want to ensure you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

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

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

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

Historical Context

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his distinguished 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 misleading start, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to repeated stress fractures in his spine.

Career Achievements

When healthy, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket's elite fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals 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 latest Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and confirming his importance to the Australian side.

As skipper, Cummins enjoyed a successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's triumphant World Test Championship final and excelling 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 fitness worries 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 much-anticipated Ashes series nears.