🔗 Share this article Pat Cummins Poised for a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10. Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest. There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed. Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA. He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating. "We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked. "The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust." Previous Setbacks The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress. Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span. The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series. The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener. Backup Options If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy. All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue. The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling." "We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated. "His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route." Fixture Details The Historic Rivalry 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026