Confidence Grows Over Cummins’ Ashes Involvement as Green, Labuschagne Impress

There is increasing optimism that Australian captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series, though his availability for the opening Test remains uncertain with less than five weeks to go.

Chair of selectors George Bailey, speaking to reporters in Perth, confirmed Cummins is progressing well in his recovery and has grown more optimistic in recent days. However, it's still unclear whether the pace spearhead has resumed bowling after back soreness ruled him out of recent international duties.

“I actually have no further update from when Pat last spoke,” Bailey said. “It’s progressing. He’s building up. He’s optimistic about it. The more he’s done, the more optimistic he’s become — but I categorically don’t know if he’s bowled a ball.”

With time running short, selectors are weighing multiple factors in assessing Cummins’ readiness. Should he miss the first Test, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy. Smith recently returned from New York and is set to feature in the next two Sheffield Shield matches for New South Wales.

Green Fitness Update and Webster Lock-In

Bailey also addressed concerns over allrounder Cameron Green, who was recently ruled out of the ODI series against India due to side soreness. He stressed that the move was precautionary and confirmed that scans had cleared Green of any significant injury.

“It is minor and it’s conservative. This decision ensures he has enough time to be ready for the first Test,” Bailey said. “He'll stick to the plan of playing in Shield rounds three and four.”

The selectors are also backing Beau Webster for a key role in the Ashes squad. Despite missing Tasmania’s first two Shield games with a rolled ankle, Webster has been confirmed as a lock for the first Test squad.

“Last time he rolled his ankle, he had a soft tissue injury five weeks later,” Bailey explained. “For the sake of one extra week, we’d rather him be right. He’ll be in Perth — everyone can relax.”

Labuschagne, Weatherald Push for Ashes Return

While the final Test XI is still up for debate, Marnus Labuschagne’s early-season form has turned heads. Bailey, who watched both of Labuschagne’s Shield centuries in person, was impressed by his intent and composure at the crease.

“I liked the way he built the partnerships,” Bailey said of Labuschagne’s Adelaide knock. “It’s a good attack he faced, and he’s batting nicely. We know he’s a class player.”

Jake Weatherald’s gritty 94 on a tough Hobart surface was also highlighted as evidence of his growing credentials, while young Sam Konstas earned praise for a composed 53 on a challenging Junction Oval pitch.

Bailey urged patience regarding Konstas’ development, noting that the scrutiny on the emerging batter’s performances was “probably not helpful” at this early stage of his career.

Squad News and Shield Releases

Australia’s selectors are still finalising the squad for the final three T20Is against India. Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Sean Abbott are likely to be released for Shield round four to gain red-ball match fitness ahead of the Ashes.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is set to miss the ODI series against India due to a calf injury setback but is expected to be fit for the T20I leg. Despite being in contention as a reserve batter and wicketkeeper for the Ashes, he will not return to Shield cricket at this stage.

The squad for the first Ashes Test will be announced in early November following the completion of the third round of Sheffield Shield matches.