🔗 Share this article Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average. The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry. Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed. Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia. He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating. "It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added. "It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess." Past Concerns He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back. Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span. Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test. Alternative Arrangements Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side. The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue. Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs." "Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained. "His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively." Fixture Details Australia vs England: The Ashes Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026