🔗 Share this article The fast bowler Poised for a Major Role in Ashes Series The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average. The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series. Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him. Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth. Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating. "It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked. "We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up." Past Concerns The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress. There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years. Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes. He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test. Alternative Arrangements If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side. Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl." "Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated. "He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Fixture Details The Ashes: Australia v England Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026