🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Poised for a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average. The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series. Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved. Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth. He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part. "We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented. "The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust." Previous Setbacks The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue. There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series. He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy. All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue. The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling." "We put so much time 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. "He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively." Series Schedule The Historic Rivalry From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026