Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
