Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
