Australia's captain Set to Play a Major Role in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
