🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Set to Play a Major Role in the Ashes The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average. Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest. Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia. Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating. "We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented. "The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust." Past Concerns Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back. He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years. Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test. Backup Options In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained. "He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026