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Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.

There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.

Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.

He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.

"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."

Injury History

The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.

He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.

The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.

The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.

The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026