Australia's captain Set to Play a Major Role in the Ashes
The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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