Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
