Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play 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 participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
