Selectors confident Cummins to play major Ashes role despite injury

Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins is recovering from a back stress injury and remains uncertain for the first Ashes Test starting November 21 in Perth, though selectors are optimistic he will play a major part in the series. Head selector George Bailey expressed growing confidence in Cummins' recovery, noting that the more training Cummins has done recently, the more optimistic he has become, even though it is unclear if he has resumed bowling. Coach Andrew McDonald described Cummins' recent week as positive and said a more definitive judgment on his fitness would come soon, while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of injury recovery. Meanwhile, all-rounder Cameron Green's minor side soreness has been ruled out as serious, and he is expected to be available for the series after playing additional domestic matches. Veteran batsman Steven Smith is prepared to captain Australia if Cummins is unavailable for the opener. England views Cummins' absence from the first Test as a major advantage, underscoring the significance of his fitness situation for the Ashes outcome.