The fast bowler Set to Play a Key Part in the Ashes

Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming 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.

Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.

"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Previous Setbacks

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

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

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

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