🔗 Share this article

Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.

There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.

"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."

Injury History

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Backup Options

If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described 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 deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate 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 bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026