Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
