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The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.

Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.

Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.

"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026