Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
