Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026