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The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.

There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.

"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.

Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.

He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

Fixture Details

The Ashes: Australia v England

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026