Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, 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All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature 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 participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
