Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
