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Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.

Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.

Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.

The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.

"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."

Injury History

Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.

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

He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Alternative Arrangements

In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."

"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.

"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."

Fixture Details

The Historic Rivalry

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