The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
