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Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.

"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Injury History

He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.

Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.

He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.

He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.

The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place 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 first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

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