Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
