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Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.

"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.

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

Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."

Fixture Details

The Ashes: Australia v England

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026