Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury 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 participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
