Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted 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 recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
