🔗 Share this article

Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.

Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.

He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.

"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.

He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026