Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
