馃敆 Share this article The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average. The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest. There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him. Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth. He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part. "We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented. "We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess." Injury History The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress. He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period. The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes. The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match. Alternative Arrangements In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership. Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl." "We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed. "His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route." Series Schedule The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026