Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
