🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Faces Injury Struggle Ahead of Opening Ashes Match Pat Cummins debuted in Test first appearance at the age of 18 Skipper Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the opening Ashes Test appears doubtful due to ongoing injury concerns. Media speculation from Australia had indicated that Cummins might miss the whole series, though the fast bowler himself has now provided a more comprehensive update on his situation. Injury Timeline The 32-year-old has been battling with a back stress injury that has prevented his participation since his last professional game in July. Although Cummins has resumed running training, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program. "It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "We get into 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 minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any opportunity of featuring in the first Test, set to begin on November 21. Cummins supported this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least probably 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." 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 unfit, former captain Steve Smith is likely 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. Career Background Cummins' current fitness issues mirror 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 experienced six years before his second Test appearance due to multiple stress fractures in his spine. Career Achievements When fit, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10. His record in Australia 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 skipper, 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 monitoring their key players closely as the much-anticipated Ashes series nears.