🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10. The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series. There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him. Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating. "We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added. "It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up." Past Concerns He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest. He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue. The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling." "Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed. "He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar Australia vs England: The Ashes 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026