Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
