🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Set to Play a Key Part in the Ashes The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10. The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series. There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part. "We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added. "It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess." Injury History Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years. He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener. Backup Options In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy. Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed. "He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy." Fixture Details The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026