Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
