Australia's captain Poised for a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series

Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.

"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.

"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."

Injury History

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.

Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.

Backup Options

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.

The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026