Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay 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
