Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
