Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
