Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
