🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average. Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry. Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him. Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth. He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part. "It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added. "We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust." Previous Setbacks The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue. There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span. Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest. Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match. Contingency Plans Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership. All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan 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 regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively." Match Calendar The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026