Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
