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Pat Cummins has declared that his appearance in the first Ashes Test is doubtful, revealing that a comeback to competitive bowling is still some time away.

Recovery Timeline

The pace bowler is expected to find out this week whether he will be fit to play in Perth on 21 November, with officials stating the quick is confronting a tight timeline.

The veteran cricketer has not bowled since Australia’s 3-0 series victory of West Indies in July, with follow-up back scans having revealed a stress fracture on his back.

Public Admission

When queried on Monday about his chances of playing in the first Test at the Perth venue, the fast bowler acknowledged the probability was low.

“I can’t assign a numerical value on it, but I believe most likely more doubtful than expected,” the bowler commented at Fox Cricket’s summer launch. “I’ve still got a bit of time.”

Rehabilitation Process

“My running sessions today and running every second day, and every session’s a little bit longer and then we begin light bowling preparation I think soon,” the skipper described. “It’s likely a couple of weeks away before I actually put on these spikes and deliver on grass.”

“Yet recovery has been a encouraging timeframe,” the bowler stated. “Each session progresses and further.”

Match Readiness

The pace bowler insisted it was still too early to predict how which portions of the Test matches he could sit out, with management confident on the player’s recovery potential.

The opening match is five-and-a-half weeks away, while the follow-up match in Queensland starts almost a 14 days after that.

Another significant interval exists between the start at the Queensland venue and the next venue, giving the bowler additional weeks to regain fitness.

Immediate Goals

“My primary focus is to make sure I’m giving my body a chance to be ready for the majority of it as possible,” he said. “It’s absolutely premature to really make some big decisions.”

“You’re just trying to tick off each session,” Cummins added. “In such cases, it’s challenging to transition from not bowling or any activity to suddenly playing a full series.”

Current Condition

The fast bowler revealed he was not in major agony, but was sometimes feeling tightness after starting again sprints.

“Currently I’m doing quite well at the present time,” the team leader remarked. “A few of the problems lingered for a more time than was ideal, but they’re all gone now.”

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins is unavailable, the reserve paceman is virtually guaranteed to fill his position in the playing eleven.

He does intend on accompanying with the squad to the first venue regardless of he participates, and sticking with the squad from that stage onward.

“Should that opening match I’m not playing, I expect to be very close to playing and practicing,” Cummins finished. “And that’s the location all of the physios and coaches and squad members are.”