Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
