Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, 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 the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games 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 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
