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The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.

There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.

Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.

"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Past Concerns

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.

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 regain fitness for the opener.

Backup Options

In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

The talented all-rounder was excluded lately 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 stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.

"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."

Match Calendar

The Historic Rivalry

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026