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Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.

Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.

"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.

He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.

The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026