Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned 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," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
