Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
