Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
