🔗 Share this article

Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from the Australian camp 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.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.

"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.

"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."

Injury History

He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.

The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Contingency Plans

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

Series Schedule

The Historic Rivalry

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026