Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"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," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
