Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series
The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
