Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
