Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
