🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Poised for a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10. Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved. Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA. Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part. "It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked. "We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess." Injury History He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back. He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years. Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series. He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test. Contingency Plans Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side. The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling." "Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed. "Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy." Series Schedule The Ashes: Australia v England 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026