Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
