Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
