Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
