Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in the Ashes
The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
