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Australia\u2019s chair of selectors is confident that Pat Cummins will play in the Ashes series against England. The 32-year-old has not bowled since Australia\u2019s 3-0 series defeat of West Indies in July because of a stress injury in his back. Cummins had admitted he was unlikely to play in the Ashes opener<\/a> in Perth on 21 November.<\/p>\n However, George Bailey said: \u201cWe know time is getting short and there\u2019s permutations around that, not just around the back, but other factors as well. It\u2019s positive. [We are] really confident that he\u2019s going to play a major part. Hopefully it\u2019s the first Test. If not, then we\u2019ll pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n Bailey also confirmed that Steve Smith would step up to lead the team in Cummins\u2019s absence. \u201cThat\u2019s business as usual for us. That formula has worked.<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless of whether he\u2019s playing, Pat\u2019s keen to be around because if he\u2019s not playing he\u2019ll be rehabbing and getting ready and bowling.\u201d<\/p>\n Cummins was forced to miss Australia\u2019s limited-overs series against New Zealand and India but said this week that he was not in serious pain. \u201cI\u2019m feeling really good at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n