Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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