Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed 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 be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
