Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
