Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts 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 "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
