Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
