Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
