Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
