Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
