🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average. Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest. There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved. Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth. He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved. "It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added. "The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up." Past Concerns The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back. He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period. He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test. Backup Options In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side. The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side. The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs." "Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated. "He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy." Fixture Details The Ashes: Australia v England From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026