Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
