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The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.

"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.

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

The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

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