Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Key Part in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed 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 a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
