Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
