Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
