Australia's captain Set to Play a Major Role in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing 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 his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
