Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
