Pat Cummins Set to Play a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
