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Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.

Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.

"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.

The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place 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 all-rounder," the selector detailed.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026