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The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026