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The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.

Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.

The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

Fixture Details

Australia vs England: The Ashes

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026