Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
