Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.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 he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
