Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
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 ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
