Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time 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 in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
