Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
