Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear 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.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
