Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. 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 take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
