Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
