Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
