Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series 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.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
