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Pat Cummins Set to Play a Key Part in Iconic Rivalry

Test match action

The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.

Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.

The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.

He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.

He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."

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Hannah Mata

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