Pat Cummins Set to Play a Major Role in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
