Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
