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The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.

He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."

"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026