Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"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, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
