Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
