🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in the Ashes Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10. The Australian chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved. Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA. He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part. "It's clear that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented. "We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess." Previous Setbacks Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue. Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series. He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener. Contingency Plans In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side. All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.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 "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed. "He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route." Series Schedule The Historic Rivalry 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026