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The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process 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 acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."

"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."

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The Historic Rivalry

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026