🔗 Share this article

The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.

He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.

He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.

He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026