Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
