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The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.

There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.

The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.

"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Past Concerns

The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.

Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."

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