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The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.

Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."

Injury History

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.

He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026