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The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.

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

Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.

"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.

He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

Series Schedule

Australia vs England: The Ashes

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026