Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve 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 preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated 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 take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
