Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side 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 "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
