Pat Cummins Set to Play a Major Role in the Ashes
The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
