🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Key Part in the Ashes The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10. The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series. Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him. Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating. "We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added. "We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess." Previous Setbacks He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress. Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period. Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest. Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match. Alternative Arrangements Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership. Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs." "Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained. "Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Series Schedule The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026