Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
