Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
