Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, 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 dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
