Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
