Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled 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 deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
