Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.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 stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
