Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
