Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
