Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
