🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average. Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series. Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved. Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA. He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part. "We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked. "We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust." Injury History He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back. There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years. He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes. He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match. Alternative Arrangements Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso. He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl." "Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Match Calendar Australia vs England: The Ashes Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026