Pat Cummins Poised for a Major Role in the Ashes

Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.

"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.

Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.

All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.

He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

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