🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Poised for a Key Part in Ashes Series The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average. Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series. Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him. Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia. He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved. "We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked. "It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up." Injury History He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series. Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match. Contingency Plans Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side. Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling." "Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar The Historic Rivalry From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026