Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
