Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation 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.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
