Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
