Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
