Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan 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 recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared 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 dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
