Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
