🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Set to Play a Key Part in the Ashes The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average. The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest. Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him. Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth. He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved. "It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked. "The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up." Previous Setbacks He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress. There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes. The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side. Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, 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 opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained. "He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Match Calendar Australia vs England: The Ashes From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026