Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
