Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
