Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
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