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The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.

"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed 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 limited period.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026