🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Set to Play a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average. Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series. Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him. Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth. He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved. "It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented. "It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust." Past Concerns Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue. Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes. Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test. Alternative Arrangements If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso. Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs." "We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed. "Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively." Match Calendar The Historic Rivalry 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026