Australia's captain Poised for a Major Role in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
