🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average. The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry. Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed. Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth. The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part. "It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented. "It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up." Past Concerns Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span. He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match. Contingency Plans If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side. The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling." "Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained. "He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy." Match Calendar The Historic Rivalry From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026