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Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.

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

"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."

Fixture Details

The Ashes: Australia v England

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026