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Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.

Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.

"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.

Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.

Contingency Plans

If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.

All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."

"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."

Fixture Details

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