🔗 Share this article

The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series 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 whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.

"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.

"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026