Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
