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The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.

Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.

The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.

"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.

He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026