Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
