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The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.

Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.

"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.

The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026