Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026