Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
