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The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.

Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.

"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.

The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026