Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
