Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
