🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Poised for a Major Role in the Ashes The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average. The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry. Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved. Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia. The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating. "We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented. "The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up." Previous Setbacks The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress. He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period. Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest. He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side. All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling." "We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated. "Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route." Fixture Details The Historic Rivalry Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026