Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
