Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
