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The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.

Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.

"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.

Backup Options

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

Australia vs England: The Ashes

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026