Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
