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The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.

Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.

Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."

Past Concerns

The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."

"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

Fixture Details

Australia vs England: The Ashes

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026