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Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.

There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.

Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.

The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026