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Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.

Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.

"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.

He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.

All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."

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