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The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.

There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Previous Setbacks

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.

Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026