Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
