🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Poised for a Significant Contribution in Iconic Rivalry The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10. The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him. Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA. He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating. "It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked. "It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up." Injury History The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue. He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period. The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest. Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test. Alternative Arrangements In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso. The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to take a cautious route." Fixture Details The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026