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Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

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 Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.

The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."

Injury History

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026