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The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.

Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.

Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.

"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.

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

The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.

He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."

"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."

Series Schedule

Australia vs England: The Ashes

Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026