Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Key Part in the Ashes
The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned 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 participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
