Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
