Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
