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Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.

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

The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."

"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

The Historic Rivalry

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026