🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Set to Play a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average. The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series. Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed. Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA. He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating. "We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented. "The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up." Past Concerns The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in four years. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match. Backup Options Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy. The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling." "We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated. "Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route." Match Calendar The Historic Rivalry From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026