🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Set to Play a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10. The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest. Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia. He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating. "We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented. "The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess." Injury History The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue. Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years. The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes. He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test. Backup Options Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side. He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl." "Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026