Pat Cummins Set to Play a Key Part in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
