Bailey give injury update on Pat Cummins [Source: @cricketcomau, @SEN_Cricket/X.com]
Australia captain Pat Cummins is expected to play a major part in this Ashes series, according to Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey. This comes despite the skipper's struggles with a back injury.
Cummins was forced to miss Australia’s recent limited-overs series against New Zealand and India due to a lumbar bone stress injury.
This setback added to his history of back problems, which have caused him to miss several Australian summers in 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2015-16.
George Bailey is hopeful of Pat Cummins’ Ashes participation
Recently, rumours swirled that Pat Cummins could not only miss the first Test between Australia and England but also the entire Ashes series, as his back injury is quite serious.
However, Australia’s chief selector George Bailey is optimistic. Talking to BBC Sport, he said Pat Cummins is currently building up and remains positive about his recovery.
He added that while the team is closely monitoring his condition, the selectors are confident that Cummins will play a major role in the Ashes, ideally from the first Test.
"We know time is getting short and there's permutations around that, not just around the back, but other factors as well. It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up," Bailey said.
That being said, in case Cummins isn’t fit and does end up missing a couple of initial games, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Steve Smith formula to continue in Pat Cummins' absence
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey also confirmed that Steven Smith will lead the Test team if captain Pat Cummins misses any matches in the upcoming 2025 Ashes.
Talking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Bailey said Smith, who has led Australia on 6 interim occasions with 5 wins, will step in seamlessly to guide the team.
“If Pat doesn’t play, Smudge [Steve Smith] will captain. That’s business as usual for us. That formula has worked. Regardless of whether he’s playing, Pat’s keen to be around because if he’s not playing he’ll be rehabbing and getting ready and bowling, so he’ll be with the team anyway."
In addition to this, all-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn from Australia’s ODI series against India as a precaution due to soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a minor injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, ensuring he remains ready for upcoming matches.