The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Key Part in Ashes Series
The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
