Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
