Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
