Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
