Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know 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.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
