Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports 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 his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
