Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
