Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns 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 make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
