Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, 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 initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
