Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
