Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
