Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress 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
