🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average. The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry. Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him. Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia. Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved. "It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added. "It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up." Previous Setbacks He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series. Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match. Alternative Arrangements If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side. Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue. He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling." "Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated. "Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026