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Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.

"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.

He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.

He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match 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 another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

The Historic Rivalry

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026