Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
