Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play 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 India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026