Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
