Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
