Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
