🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Set to Play a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10. Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him. Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating. "We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked. "We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust." Injury History The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue. He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes. The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener. Backup Options Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side. Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs." "We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026