🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Poised for a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average. The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series. Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved. Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA. Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part. "We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added. "We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust." Past Concerns Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span. Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest. Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match. Backup Options In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy. The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso. The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained. "He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy." Fixture Details The Historic Rivalry Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026