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Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision 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 was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.

"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.

He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Backup Options

If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.

He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026