🔗 Share this article

The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026