Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has cast doubt on his availability for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month, citing ongoing recovery from a back stress injury. The 32-year-old fast bowler, who last played competitively in July, has resumed running but has yet to incorporate bowling into his rehabilitation. Cummins described his chances of playing in the opening Test as “less likely than likely,” emphasizing the need for at least four weeks of bowling preparation to ensure match readiness. With the first Test scheduled for November 21, Cummins’ tight recovery timeline raises concerns about his participation in the series. Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, echoed these concerns, stating that Cummins would require significant preparation to be fit for the high-stakes contest. Should Cummins miss the Test, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the team, with Scott Boland stepping into the bowling attack. Cummins’ injury woes are a recurring theme in his career, dating back to his Test debut at 18, when he suffered a heel injury. Despite his challenges, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket’s most formidable bowlers, with 309 Test wickets and a legacy of leading Australia to victories in the World Test Championship, World Cup, and Ashes series. His potential absence could significantly impact Australia’s bid to retain the Ashes urn, which they have held since 2018. Meanwhile, England faces its own fitness concerns, with captain Ben Stokes nursing a shoulder injury. As both teams grapple with key players’ fitness, the upcoming Ashes series promises to be a fiercely contested battle.