Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
