Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
