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Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.

"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.

"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.

He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026