🔗 Share this article

The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.

"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.

The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026