Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
