Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
