Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, 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 soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
