Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
