Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
