Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
