Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
