Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
