Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
