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

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.

"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.

"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."

Previous Setbacks

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."

Fixture Details

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