Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
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 proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
