Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
