🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average. Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest. There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia. Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved. "We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added. "It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess." Previous Setbacks He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue. He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years. He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest. He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match. Backup Options If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side. All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side. He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained. "Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively." Fixture Details Australia vs England: The Ashes From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026