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

Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.

"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.

"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.

The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.

The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026