Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
