Pat Cummins Set to Play a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry
The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
