🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Set to Play a Major Role in the Ashes The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average. The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry. Speculation had been growing 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 definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating. "It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added. "We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up." Injury History He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue. He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span. He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership. The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue. He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs." "Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy." Fixture Details Australia vs England: The Ashes From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026