🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Set to Play a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average. The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia. Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part. "We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented. "We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust." Previous Setbacks Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress. He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years. Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot 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 "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test. Contingency Plans In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy. All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso. He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed. "He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively." Fixture Details Australia vs England: The Ashes From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026