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Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.

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

"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.

Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."

"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.

"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

The Historic Rivalry

21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026