Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
