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Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.

Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.

"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."

Series Schedule

The Ashes: Australia v England

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026