The fast bowler Set to Play a Major Role in Ashes Series

Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.

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

"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.

"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Backup Options

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."

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

"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

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