Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian 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 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
