The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
