Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
