Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
