Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
