Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
