Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
