🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Poised for a Key Part in Ashes Series The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average. Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series. Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved. Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia. Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part. "We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," the selector added. "It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess." Past Concerns He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest. Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener. Alternative Arrangements Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained. "Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Match Calendar The Historic Rivalry 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026