Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
