Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
