Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
