Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated 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 regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.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."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
