Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, 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 the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, 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 initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
