🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Key Part in Ashes Series The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average. Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved. Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia. The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part. "We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked. "It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust." Past Concerns He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress. He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years. Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener. Contingency Plans Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling." "We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026