Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
