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Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.

He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.

Backup Options

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. 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 take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026