Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
