Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
